as in scolded
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dressed down
Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
This off-the-shoulder dress is a solid in-between option, since it can be dressed up with wedges or dressed down with flat sandals.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
If someone is dressed up in a space that is dressed down, for instance, there’s humor to it.
—Luke Leitch, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
The handy bag goes with just about any outfit and can be dressed down for dog walks or dressed up for dinner out on the town.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
While Haim dressed down her look with a low-key ponytail and barely-there makeup, Swift stuck to her usual glam with cat-eye liner and signature red lip.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
The shoe comes in two colors, each of which look great dressed up or dressed down, and will only get better with each wear.
—Will Porter, Outside, 9 Dec. 2025
Even dressed down in a minimalist white button-down blouse, vintage Levi’s and pearl earrings, Scherzinger exudes the kind of glamour visible from outer space.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Burlesque star dressed down her jewels in a effortlessly cool black sweat set.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
This off-the-shoulder dress is a solid in-between option, since it can be dressed up with wedges or dressed down with flat sandals.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
If someone is dressed up in a space that is dressed down, for instance, there’s humor to it.
—Luke Leitch, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
The handy bag goes with just about any outfit and can be dressed down for dog walks or dressed up for dinner out on the town.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
While Haim dressed down her look with a low-key ponytail and barely-there makeup, Swift stuck to her usual glam with cat-eye liner and signature red lip.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
The shoe comes in two colors, each of which look great dressed up or dressed down, and will only get better with each wear.
—Will Porter, Outside, 9 Dec. 2025
Even dressed down in a minimalist white button-down blouse, vintage Levi’s and pearl earrings, Scherzinger exudes the kind of glamour visible from outer space.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dressed down
Adjective
-
The service Service is friendly, but informal, reflecting the relaxed Malibu energy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
That reflects poorly on the speaker, who has an informal rule that no major bill will move to the floor unless at least 60 of his chamber’s 78 Democrats support it.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the Commission's chairman, Brendan Carr, scolded Amazon last week, saying the company should focus on its own satellite efforts, rather than criticize SpaceX.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
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In Zambrano’s case, Gee scolded the government over how the detention unfolded.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For example, Korean blushes are quickly claiming top spots in my rotation, along with shimmery eye shadows and glitter liners that add just the right amount of everyday sparkle.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
19 Mar. 2026
-
This setting spray is the perfect everyday product for achieving a dewy look.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Thiel has previously written and lectured on the subject, arguing that the Antichrist is not necessarily a person but could come as a global government system.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
16 Mar. 2026
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My father founded private hospitals south of Johannesburg, and my mother lectured anatomy, presiding over dissections and preparing meat dishes at home with the same attentive care — removing sinew and fat with a dedicated set of kitchen scalpels.—
Jan Steyn,
The Dial,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But even casual high school boys basketball fans in the western suburbs recognize the Wolves as a force to be reckoned with by going toe-to-toe against top programs in the state under the direction of Velasquez, who is stepping down for some very good personal reasons.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
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Her makeup was similarly casual, with a natural, glowy finish and peach lips.—
Pamela Vázquez,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Last year, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded and admonished Givens, citing conduct that included allowing a staff member to impersonate her during a 2021 bond hearing and taking action in cases after she had been recused.—
Gromer Jeffers Jr,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
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Jonathan was even reprimanded more than once for his name-calling and demeaning attitude towards Ana.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Derpetrossian was working with a hot shot crew with the Angeles National Forest when he got called down to help fight fires that were popping up around Los Angeles while the Palisades Fire wreaked havoc on the city’s Westside.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
17 Jan. 2026
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Scott said, when he was called down to the lobby, James threatened his family.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Ukrainian officials have blamed the damage on Russian drone attacks.—
LORNE COOK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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Another witness told police that Nicholas was angry with Richardson over a car accident for which the suspect blamed the victim.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dressed down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dressed%20down. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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