1
as in scolding
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 flaying
Dwight grabbed my arm, wrenching my hand out of my pocket, flaying it like a fish, pulling me along.
—
Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaying
Verb
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Publicly, Ingoglia has become known for barnstorming the state to hold choreographed press conferences scolding cities and counties for wasteful spending.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2026
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Security guard Pascal Duvier, most recently infamous for allegedly scolding 11-year-old Ada Law at a hotel in São Paulo, is clearing the air.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If the wood is too rough or has existing stain, paint, or sealer that is peeling, then light sanding may be required.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
29 May 2026
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While the basket’s outer material looks like wicker, it’s actually made of polypropylene resin, known for its durability, low maintenance, and UV- and water-resistant properties that prevent rusting, peeling, and fading.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
27 May 2026
Verb
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One can scarcely imagine Davis agreeing to a management interview with Forbes or lecturing executives about organizational leadership.—
Bill Fischer,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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The cruel cartoon of a constantly shrewish, venal, and disloyal Mary began cementing itself in the public mind when William Herndon, Lincoln’s Springfield law partner, started lecturing about his reminiscences within months of the President’s murder.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Verb
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If something’s not done as far as reprimanding, what will that do to him as a student?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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Hart was reprimanding Ross for doing what is the most offensive thing a comedian can do — suck up to the most important person in the room — and enforcing an old ethic in comedy, which is not apologizing for your jokes.—
Robert Lynch,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In March, Warren led the Massachusetts delegation in a letter to the State Department criticizing the administration’s lack of preparation in terms of evacuating Americans and pressing for answers on its response.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
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The agreement was immediately challenged in Kenya’s High Court, with opponents criticizing it for unfavorable terms.—
Larry Madowo,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaying. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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