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
Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
These timeless styles look polished, but can easily be dressed down with a tee and sneakers.
—Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
With its refined silhouette, subtle logo detailing, and classic colors—from black to a fall-ready burgundy—the elegant accessory can be dressed down for coffee runs and classed up for date nights.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Even now, as a bonafide fashion success, with the Victoria Beckham label undergoing four years of consistent growth resulting in over £100 million in annual sales, she’s mostly dressed down in quiet luxury hoodies in the documentary.
—Scarlett Harris, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Mellencamp, 44, sported a loose-fitting jumpsuit, Prada crossbody bag and a black baseball cap, while Rea, who was holding a tablet in his hand, dressed down in athletic shorts and a white T-shirt.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
These timeless styles look polished, but can easily be dressed down with a tee and sneakers.
—Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
With its refined silhouette, subtle logo detailing, and classic colors—from black to a fall-ready burgundy—the elegant accessory can be dressed down for coffee runs and classed up for date nights.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Even now, as a bonafide fashion success, with the Victoria Beckham label undergoing four years of consistent growth resulting in over £100 million in annual sales, she’s mostly dressed down in quiet luxury hoodies in the documentary.
—Scarlett Harris, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Mellencamp, 44, sported a loose-fitting jumpsuit, Prada crossbody bag and a black baseball cap, while Rea, who was holding a tablet in his hand, dressed down in athletic shorts and a white T-shirt.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dressed down
Adjective
-
After an informal question and answer session with several representatives from TCEQ, more than a dozen people stepped to the microphone to deliver comments on the proposal.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
-
It’s supported education for refugee children, clean water and sanitation, livelihoods for informal waste pickers and funded factory decarbonization initiatives.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This came after Nick Saban jokingly scolded himself for not fielding Sayin during their weeks-long overlap in 2023’s postseason at Alabama.—
Alex Kirshner,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Trump, then in his first term as president, scolded police in a social media post for not protecting the statue.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For shorter getaways or everyday commuting, the Zella Travel Canvas Tote Bag is down to just $30—roomy enough for your essentials but lightweight enough to carry anywhere.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Ugg Captrail Low Sneaker Tackle long hikes, everyday errands, and everything in between with these Ugg sneakers.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Cheen also lectured on the music industry across Asia and Australia.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Augusta was a devout Christian who often lectured the Bible to her sons and blamed alcohol and women for the evils of the world, per the outlet.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The dress code was casual for the at-home event, with Khloé wearing a brown and white cow-print, loose-fitting onesie.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
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Best Restaurants Forte Restaurant Modern Italian dishes are on the menu at Forte, a casual spot in Kananaskis Village.—
Lisa Kadane,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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More than a few times in that TV role, Long booked Punk in various matches, reprimanded him for on-television actions, or set up stipulations for his matches against opponents.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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Parents’ ongoing protest of teacher removal Rupert has received an outpouring of support since she was reprimanded and transferred to Isador Cohen Elementary for pulling up old carpet in her classroom.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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They are insulated with feathers from ducks or geese called down.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
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And Josh still viscerally remembers a moment in grade school when he was called down to the office and accused of punching another student, mistaken for the other Josh Jones in his school.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At first, Westergaard blamed the breach on an employee who had accidentally left them open and walked off the job.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Bobbitt should have come forward to the board about the error then, Crile said, since it could have been blamed for the error.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dressed down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dressed%20down. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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