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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rail (at or against)

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

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

Definition of lecture

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

As my mother bawled out her lungs, the doctor and the nurses remained speechless, stunned not only by my disproportionate weight but also by my appearance: a Chinese Buddha whose eyes were unmoving, untrusting.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Trippier and Burn are organisers and not afraid to bawl out their team-mates.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Definition of bawl out

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

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.

Browse Nearby Words

rail (against)

rail (at or against)

railed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rail (at or against).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rail%20%28at%20or%20against%29. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rail (at or against)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vituperate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes