1
as in scolding
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
the frustrated manager lectured the waitstaff about its poor level of service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in speaking
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
a physician who has lectured before countless audiences on the importance of diet and exercise in avoiding heart disease
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 lecturing
Since exiting Dries Van Noten a few years ago, Scallon has been working as an independent consultant and mentor in fashion communications strategy, also lecturing occasionally and sharing his views about creative content on podcasts.
—
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
The same woman Don had been lecturing about beer.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025
The following photos feature him reading on a train, posing with students, standing next to a sculpture and lecturing in front of the class.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
This is the last organization that should be lecturing anyone about respecting the game.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025
Faculty across the state rebuked it as an infringement on academic freedom and warned of a mass chilling effect on free speech and lecturing on divisive topics.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025
Leaders listen instead of lecturing.
—W. Jeff Williams, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
At a time when most philosophers were confined to their offices or lecturing to shrinking pools of students, Daniel Dennett was extraordinary — a rockstar philosopher with a rockstar beard and, perhaps most uniquely, a deep sense of kindness.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
The same woman Don had been lecturing about beer.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025
The following photos feature him reading on a train, posing with students, standing next to a sculpture and lecturing in front of the class.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
This is the last organization that should be lecturing anyone about respecting the game.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025
Faculty across the state rebuked it as an infringement on academic freedom and warned of a mass chilling effect on free speech and lecturing on divisive topics.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2025
Leaders listen instead of lecturing.
—W. Jeff Williams, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
At a time when most philosophers were confined to their offices or lecturing to shrinking pools of students, Daniel Dennett was extraordinary — a rockstar philosopher with a rockstar beard and, perhaps most uniquely, a deep sense of kindness.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lecturing
Verb
-
Like an impatient parent scolding their toddler, Frankenstein grows frustrated with his monster’s limited capacity for speech.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Rodgers stayed down for a moment before getting to his feet and giving a quick two-handed push to Jones’ chest while scolding him.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In this magical realist gay bedroom odyssey, Matias reminisces about his past encounters and considers his future, while speaking to a fictional figure from Brazilian literature.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Last month, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed, shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
-
To this end, Cucinelli urged the independent players to tap into the online commerce without betraying their identity of exclusivity and desirability, subtly reprimanding those who embraced the gray market outright.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
During those visits, Ray and Alex took an interest in dance — getting up onstage with the park’s performers and talking with them after the shows.—
Shannon Pettypiece,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Toddlers and babies especially might especially appreciate a break from their constricting seat, and a change in scenery, by talking a walk up and down the aisles with mom or dad.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of criticizing yourself for not following through, get curious.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Trump has argued the White House needs a large entertaining space, criticizing the past practice of presidents hosting state dinners and other large events in tents on the South Lawn.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lecturing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lecturing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share