Synonyms of riot act

riot act

noun

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval

at a specially called meeting, he read the riot act to his staff for their poor handling of the crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

• condemnation
• reprimand
• censure
• criticism
• denunciation
• rebuke
• objurgation
• punishment
• excoriation
• lecture
• commination
• stricture
• reproof
• reproach
• lesson
• admonition
• admonishment
• damnation
• castigation
• scolding
• remonstrance
• chastisement
• depreciation
• rap
• pan
• lash
• disparagement
• talking-to
• business
• devil
• deprecation
• dressing-down
• tongue-lashing
• belittlement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• endorsement
• citation
• tribute
• honor
• commendation
• praise
• acclamation
• approval
• eulogy
• sanction
• panegyric
• plaudit(s)
• blessing
• encomium

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of riot act

Glenn Cassidy, a 30-year faculty veteran and director of the backpacking project since 2007, assembles all 185 or so freshmen on the first day of spring term to read them the riot act about the project. — Anthony Depalma, Mercury News, 22 May 2026

Half of MomTok, led by Jessi, spent the previous evening reading Dakota the riot act for hooking up with a friend of Taylor’s. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026

But this wasn’t the guy who struggled earlier this season to the point that Cronin had to read him the riot act, as he has been known to do. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Feb. 2026

In the late ’80s, for example, he was implicated (and read the riot act by a court for his actions) in the goring and critical injury of a fellow outdoorsman, an event that cost Peter at least one of his oldest friends in Africa. — Chris Wallace, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024

Expert John reads him the riot act, and says that Timmy is either going to have to give Lucinda a smooch and lean into the affection — or the relationship is dunzo. — Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 11 Feb. 2024

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