KEELHAUL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

keelhaul

verb

ˈkēl-ˌhȯl

Definition of keelhaul

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings there's no need to keelhaul him—it was an honest mistake, and a small one at that

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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 keelhaul And other than a recession, which generally keelhauls buyback plans, don’t expect companies to ease off their repurchases. — Larry Light, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2019 To hell with a class action suit, these people should have been keelhauled under the Staten Island Ferry for a year. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 25 Oct. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for keelhaul

Verb

In one snap, the President, viewed from above, points his finger crossly, as if scolding a scrum of unruly children.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
Kirson remembered, adding that, minutes later, the show’s production team scolded her.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

According to state records, Tolliver was reprimanded by the state’s Education Practices Commission and given two years of probation from teaching in 2012.

— Austin Horn July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
The Israeli soldier who physically assaulted a CNN photojournalist in March was formally reprimanded by his commanders for his use of force but faces no criminal charges in the matter, the Israeli military said Monday.

— Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

Definition of reprimand

Verb

In no way, shape or form should an INDYCAR driver be lecturing NASCAR on the excitement level of races.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
He was internationally known as an expert on the work of William Faulkner, teaching and lecturing around the world on the Nobel Prize winner.

— Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 13 July 2026