FLAY Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

flay

verb

ˈflā

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings her husband flayed her constantly for her incessant shopping

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to peel

to remove the natural covering of flayed their kill right there in the forest, taking both the meat and the skin home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 flay 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 These include thinning fabric, stretching or sagging, holes, flaying, and heavy pilling. —

Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 1 July 2025 Separating fact from invention is difficult, but there have been rumors that there was more than one murderer, the killing was drug-related and — perhaps most disturbingly — that Driscoll was either dismembered or flayed alive. —

Alex Heigl, People.com, 18 May 2025 Clark, who wore a mischievous smile, flayed her arm once more for the dramatics before stepping on the court and finishing a defensive drill. —

James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flay

Verb

When the second player protested the contact, Nicholson scolded the player, according to one parent.

— Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
What starts as a playful, casual parlor game suddenly turns incredibly dark, not just because of Emma’s confession but by Rachel’s sudden turn from loyal friend to judgmental scold.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026