DRESSED DOWN Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

dressed down 1 of 2

adjective

as in informal

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Dissimilar Words

dressed down

2 of 2

verb

past tense of dress down

as in scolded

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dressed down

Verb

Spungen’s book houses over 80 cookie recipes, all glitzed, glammed, or perfectly dressed down. — The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026 The polished cut of the NYDJ Teresa Trouser Jeans is a deal sealer—they can be dressed down with a hoodie for a fire-pit-friendly outfit, or just as easily styled for a casual but put-together dinner. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 This versatile set can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026 The versatile shirt can be dressed up for work with a skirt or slacks and dressed down on the weekends with lightweight pants or a denim jacket. — Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026 At a meeting that month in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, Overton dressed down HHS officials for not presenting a document that would pass legal review, according to a person who attended. — Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 These beautiful styles take you from day to night, dressed up or dressed down. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 Think of ranch water as a dressed down margarita that's hard to mess up. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dressed down

Adjective

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay chose Milton Rogovin’s informal, untitled portrait of a beautiful young Buffalo woman from his East Side, 1961-63 collection.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Second, the agency can issue formal or informal warning letters threatening consequences if a violation is not remedied.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Verb

Eventually, all charges were dropped days before trial after Perry was finally given the full, unredacted grand jury transcripts and scolded prosecutors for violating the inherent trust placed in the office.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
In 2024, a judge scolded both sides for excessive litigation and ruled for the trust to be dissolved and for the house to be sold.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of scolded

Adjective

The story centers on an everyday girl who is handed an unlikely chance at glory through an unusual contest.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
An everyday habit during a long-haul flight could have painful consequences for certain travelers — with a recent case highlighting some serious dangers.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of everyday

Verb

Earhart lectured at the school before embarking on her final flight.

— News Editor, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of lectured

Adjective

This most recent collection from McCartney features a massive array of differing styles ranging from casual to chic and formal, with Stern’s choice of the elegant bodice an excellent one for the Albie Awards.

— Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Physicality presents technical challenges to audio recording, and wit—primarily achievable by coming up with lots of ideas in advance—quickly becomes alienating in a casual setting.

— Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of casual

Verb

Mandell was later formally reprimanded for allowing another client’s hearing to be delayed by six years, during which time two witnesses died.

— Samantha Melamed, ProPublica, 13 Oct. 2026
The Denver school board censured director Monica Hunter on Thursday night, the third time in five years that the governing body of Colorado’s largest K-12 district has publicly reprimanded a colleague.

— Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of reprimanded

Verb

After leaving the field at the end of the third, Fried walked into the tunnel leading to the visitors’ clubhouse, flanked by pitching coach Matt Blake, who immediately called down to the bullpen to have Paul Blackburn warm up.

— Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Even the New York State Police had been called down to join, and were standing around in their purple ties and Dudley Do-Right hats.

— Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of called down

Verb

The city's medical examiner, Charles Norris, blamed the federal government's practice of adding toxic substances to industrial alcohol, including those involving methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, which can cause blindness and death.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Other adolescents have also suffered life-changing injuries blamed on police weaponry during protests.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of blamed

Browse Nearby Words

dressed

dressed down

dressed up

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“Dressed down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dressed%20down. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dressed down

adjective

verb

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