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scold

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scold differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scold are berate, rail, revile, upbraid, and vituperate. While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

When would berate be a good substitute for scold?

The meanings of berate and scold largely overlap; however, berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

When can rail be used instead of scold?

The words rail and scold are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

When is revile a more appropriate choice than scold?

The synonyms revile and scold are sometimes interchangeable, but revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

When could upbraid be used to replace scold?

While the synonyms upbraid and scold are close in meaning, upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

Where would vituperate be a reasonable alternative to scold?

While in some cases nearly identical to scold, vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scold
Verb
When Roger Goodell suspended Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for at least one full season for betting on NFL games, the commissioner was very careful with the wording of his official scold. Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Mar. 2022 Bozell, who plays a media scold on television, has written a book that despite its subtitle is neither dogmatic nor even thematic. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 6 Jan. 2022
Noun
Galligani, 55, remembers her mother as a perfectionist in the kitchen who would often scold her more free-spirited daughter for making a mess while cooking. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025 Governance scolds are appalled by the number, as is the pope. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scold
Verb
  • There is a form of right-of-center liberalism that is content with status hierarchies, that is very unhappy with anything that makes people feel reprimanded.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), threatened networks to reprimand Kimmel.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your relentless faultfinder—everybody has one—is quick to judge, minimize your accomplishments or demote you to an underdog.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2021
Verb
  • Clarke and his business partner sold photographs and films, wrote and lectured about their adventures, and began treasure hunting.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Since exiting Dries Van Noten a few years ago, Scallon has been working as an independent consultant and mentor in fashion communications strategy, also lecturing occasionally and sharing his views about creative content on podcasts.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The book, published in 1997, took the form of love letters written by Kraus and her then husband, the literary critic Sylvère Lotringer, and addressed to his colleague Dick, later revealed to be Dick Hebdige, a scholar known for his work on subcultures.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The series is well-regarded by critics, who correctly hail it as a good starting point for little ones just now dipping their toes into Star Wars.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The outlet said many criticized his behavior, labeling it racist, sexist, or out of touch.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Locally, the response was more complicated, with police frequently criticized for their use of force and tear gas.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Maybe that’s why, compared with some other kinds of nitpickers, pop critics can seem especially extraneous.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The report admonishes the Alameda County foster care system for ongoing structural deficiencies, including understaffing and poor record-keeping, while also noting that the agency’s plan to address service gaps may still not be enough to bring it up to standard.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The Anti-Defamation League released a statement admonishing Carslon's speech.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But historically, voters have blamed the party in power for a government shutdown.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Dohn Community High School closed in early 2025, and school officials have blamed Davenport for its abrupt collapse.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scold. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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