1
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
her husband flayed her constantly for her incessant shopping
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Recent Examples of flay
Smoking in a raffish suit like a film noir baddie with a shock of red hair ready to torch the world, Noble’s Richard employs a dusky, ironic voice to flaying effect.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
The apostle was believed to have met his martyrdom by being flayed alive.
—
Virginia Raguin,
The Conversation,
19 Feb. 2026
Most repellent of all is a slow-burn sequence in which the Jimmys, having stumbled on a small community of survivors, proceed to string them up in a barn and gradually, meticulously flay them alive.
—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
16 Jan. 2026
This led to the investigation of Gein’s farm that unearthed his atrocities, including Worden’s body being decapitated, flayed, and hung in his shed.
—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flay
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
The apostle was believed to have met his martyrdom by being flayed alive.
—
Virginia Raguin,
The Conversation,
19 Feb. 2026
Most repellent of all is a slow-burn sequence in which the Jimmys, having stumbled on a small community of survivors, proceed to string them up in a barn and gradually, meticulously flay them alive.
—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
16 Jan. 2026
This led to the investigation of Gein’s farm that unearthed his atrocities, including Worden’s body being decapitated, flayed, and hung in his shed.
—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flay
Verb
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Someone else scolds the offender.
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This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior.
Verb
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All while performatively lecturing and demanding everyone agree with his viewpoints.
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If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.
Verb
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One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
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Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
Cite this Entry
“Flay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flay. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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