Synonyms of reading the riot act (to)

reading the riot act (to)

phrase

present participle of read the riot act (to)

as in scolding

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

• scolding
• lecturing
• railing (at or against)
• ranting (at)
• dressing down
• calling down
• reaming (out)
• reprimanding
• blaming
• bawling out
• criticizing
• chewing out
• laying into
• taking to task
• remonstrating (with)
• berating
• upbraiding
• rating
• lacing (into)
• attacking
• ragging
• basting
• chastising
• scoring
• mocking
• admonishing
• flaying
• rebuking
• hammering
• reproaching
• faulting
• lambasting
• keelhauling
• castigating
• tongue-lashing
• jawing
• chiding
• slamming
• lashing
• panning
• denouncing
• knocking
• condemning
• reviling
• putting down
• crucifying
• vituperating
• assailing
• blasting
• belittling
• disparaging
• reprehending
• abusing
• scourging
• haranguing
• reproving
• censuring
• excoriating
• ridiculing
• scoffing
• bad-mouthing
• scorning
• dissing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approving
• endorsing
• sanctioning
• praising
• extolling
• lauding