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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rail (at or against)
Verb
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Someone else scolds the offender.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026 -
This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
Verb
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All while performatively lecturing and demanding everyone agree with his viewpoints.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Verb
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One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
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Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
Verb
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After leaving the field at the end of the third, Fried walked into the tunnel leading to the visitors’ clubhouse, flanked by pitching coach Matt Blake, who immediately called down to the bullpen to have Paul Blackburn warm up.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Even the New York State Police had been called down to join, and were standing around in their purple ties and Dudley Do-Right hats.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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Trippier and Burn are organisers and not afraid to bawl out their team-mates.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
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The logic here is highly questionable — dying for your queen and dying by her hand are not equivalent sacrifices — but let’s blame Lorent’s lapse in judgment on the chaos of the moment.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Verb
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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
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True freshman receiver Hayden Moore from has been an early surprise challenger for first-team reps in spring ball, but the Gainesville, Fla., native, who just left high school, was chewed out and then subbed off for messing up early in Tuesday’s practice.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
15 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Rail (at or against).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rail%20%28at%20or%20against%29. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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