as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dress down
The Blue Crush actress, 42, dressed down for the occasion in a black long sleeve, v-neck shirt and wide leg jeans.
—
Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Now, dazzling sequins are typically reserved for cocktail or black tie, but the actor's rugged pants—which debuted on the spring 2025 runway back in September—proved that shimmering embellishments can in fact be dressed down.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
Its pleated fabric and modest silhouette give it an elevated look, though it can still be dressed down for daytime wear.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
Faustino was dressed down in a black T-shirt and camouflage shorts for the outing.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dress down
Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Now, dazzling sequins are typically reserved for cocktail or black tie, but the actor's rugged pants—which debuted on the spring 2025 runway back in September—proved that shimmering embellishments can in fact be dressed down.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
Its pleated fabric and modest silhouette give it an elevated look, though it can still be dressed down for daytime wear.
—Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
Faustino was dressed down in a black T-shirt and camouflage shorts for the outing.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dress down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dress down
Verb
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Five months after beating New York Red Bulls for the club’s sixth MLS Cup title, the Galaxy lost the rematch 7-0 in New York — seven-nil — prompting an impromptu team scolding on the field by Vanney after the final whistle.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
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The moment a golden retriever and his feline friend were scolded by their owner for their behavior during her trip has left people in stitches.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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We’ve often been lectured by people all over the place about how the United States needs to continue to be a beacon for those who are oppressed abroad.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
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Geragos, 67, the criminal defense lawyer known for his roster of celebrity clients, was lectured in a Manhattan federal court this week after making statements about the case on a podcast.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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The justices also reprimanded federal authorities for failing to provide the detainees with more due process under the Alien Enemies Act.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2025
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One of the central conflicts begins when the cute five-year-old daughter, I-Jing (Nina Ye), is reprimanded by her otherwise aloof grandfather for being left-handed.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
14 May 2025
Verb
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But the game changer, a change in field practices that drove use of force on crisis calls down by 68% over a four-year period, was a different type of training — a mandatory one that Anderson helped craft.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
5 May 2025
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The next day the family was called down to the station to pick up Skip.—
Janine Rubenstein,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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According to Reuters, many locals have blamed the sites for creating an unsustainable rental environment, reducing housing supply and making rent unaffordable for locals.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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The trauma of being constantly blamed, ignored, disrespected, or made to question your own worth is just as life-altering.—
Shayla Brown,
Essence,
19 May 2025
Verb
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But to chew out his boss--Edwin Stanton, secretary of war--would be more than just getting close to the line of insubordination.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
12 Feb. 2025
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Judge is chewing out the parties.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The decision also sparked fierce debate from religious conservatives who criticized one board member’s staunch opposition to introducing prayer.—
Nora O’Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2025
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In the Verizon and T-Mobile deals, the FCC only approved the transaction after each company agreed to end DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies criticized by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dress down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dress%20down. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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