Synonyms of read the riot act (to)

read the riot act (to)

phrase

as in scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings

The officer read the riot act to her for speeding in a school zone.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scold
• lecture
• rail (at or against)
• reprimand
• dress down
• call down
• rant (at)
• blame
• criticize
• ream (out)
• chew out
• lay into
• bawl out
• rag
• berate
• chastise
• jaw
• tongue-lash
• rate
• fault
• upbraid
• take to task
• attack
• rebuke
• remonstrate (with)
• mock
• lace (into)
• keelhaul
• admonish
• reproach
• score
• lambast
• hammer
• flay
• lambaste
• baste
• castigate
• pan
• diss
• slam
• chide
• crucify
• condemn
• lash
• abuse
• knock
• harangue
• revile
• denounce
• scourge
• assail
• ridicule
• censure
• blast
• belittle
• put down
• excoriate
• reprove
• disparage
• reprehend
• vituperate
• scoff
• bad-mouth
• scorn
• dis

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• sanction
• endorse
• indorse
• praise
• laud
• extol
• extoll