Synonyms of reprimanding

reprimanding

verb

present participle of reprimand

1

as in scolding

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

reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in admonishing

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault

reprimanded the student for using the lax grammar and punctuation of text messaging in a term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• admonishing
• scolding
• criticizing
• blaming
• chiding
• rebuking
• reproving
• reproaching
• faulting
• mocking
• berating
• getting on
• condemning
• getting after
• upbraiding
• lecturing
• ticking off
• censuring
• attacking
• haranguing
• castigating
• burning one's ears
• lambasting
• denouncing
• knocking
• belittling
• crucifying
• minimizing
• excoriating
• slamming
• lashing
• ridiculing
• disparaging
• assailing
• jawing
• flaying
• abusing
• dressing down
• panning
• chewing out
• bad-mouthing
• railing (at or against)
• keelhauling
• deriding
• blasting
• rating
• scoring
• scoffing
• deprecating
• reprehending
• scorning
• dissing
• putting down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approving
• endorsing
• sanctioning
• praising
• saluting
• applauding
• extolling
• hailing
• lauding
• touting
• OK'ing

3

as in censuring

to express public or formal disapproval of

the president was forced to reprimand the general for publicly voicing his disagreements with the nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• censuring
• condemning
• denouncing
• punishing
• scolding
• criticizing
• admonishing
• rebuking
• reproving
• reproaching
• chastising
• berating
• objurgating
• calling to account
• upbraiding
• bringing to account
• lecturing
• castigating
• belittling
• disparaging
• ragging
• lambasting
• flaying
• jawing
• cutting up
• dressing down
• bawling out
• deprecating
• chewing out
• railing (at or against)
• telling off
• depreciating
• keelhauling
• scoring
• rating
• gibbeting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• commending
• endorsing
• citing
• honoring
• applauding
• praising
• approving
• hailing
• sanctioning
• acclaiming
• lauding
• eulogizing
• blessing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reprimanding

The audience awkwardly chuckles, and Scovel, eyes still closed, begins reprimanding them. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Earlier this week, Scott Agness claimed his press credentials were revoked by the team after his reporting led to the WNBA reprimanding the Fever for not being transparent about Clark’s health status during a game on May 20. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Hart was reprimanding Ross for doing what is the most offensive thing a comedian can do — suck up to the most important person in the room — and enforcing an old ethic in comedy, which is not apologizing for your jokes. — Robert Lynch, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

In footage that circulated on social media after Sunday's telecast, the 35-year-old Best Supporting Actress nominee and recording artist was shown reprimanding someone off camera while others stepped between them. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

Still, don’t discount the power of comforting or reprimanding statements, because both are necessary in their own ways. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026

Censures, a means of formally reprimanding a lawmaker without going so far as to expel them, have historically been rare; in the 200 years after Congress first convened, only 22 House members were censured. — Connor Greene, Time, 21 Nov. 2025

When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025