RAIL (AT OR AGAINST) Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

rail (at or against)

verb

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings we could hear the cook in the kitchen railing against his assistant and wondered if we'd ever get our food

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for rail (at or against)

Verb

For over a year, the White House has scolded and threatened the Smithsonian.

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Some intergenerational sparring ensues, as Kevin scolds Arthur for his more outré boomer comments, and Arthur in turn sneers at his grandson’s millennial lameness.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement.

— David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Those experiences deepen understanding in ways that lectures and memorization alone rarely can.

— Lisa Schade, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of lecture

Verb

Spencer Pratt, the former Republican candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, also reprimanded Khanna for pushing the statewide wealth tax while enriching himself.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
She was later reprimanded by an ethics committee but earned plaudits from Democratic allies and voting rights for her demonstration.

— Matt Brown, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of reprimand

Verb

But blaming the technology risks obscuring the fact that humans write the code, select the data on which AI systems are trained, approve their use, and decide where and how they are deployed.

— Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Many adults who struggle with food or body image blame the role models who were dieting during their childhood.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

Kittens chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult cats may chew out of boredom, stress or habit.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
It was widely reported that team president Masai Ujiri went into Casey’s office after Game 3 to chew out the coach for not preparing his team better to defend James’ memorable game-winner over OG Anunoby, who is now a Knick.

— Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Definition of chew out

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rail (against)

rail (at or against)

railed

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“Rail (at or against).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rail%20%28at%20or%20against%29. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rail (at or against)

verb

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