as in talking-to
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as in reprimanding
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
he scolded the kids for not cleaning up the mess they had made in the kitchen
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scolding
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
20 Dec. 2025
Flies did not follow me, but someone’s gaze did, leading to a lengthy scolding from my mother.
—
Edwidge Danticat,
New Yorker,
23 Nov. 2025
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Let your management company put up the scolding sign on your behalf!
—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Noun
Avoiding public scolding, vague directions, or emotional reactions can make discipline more effective and respectful.
—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
20 Dec. 2025
Flies did not follow me, but someone’s gaze did, leading to a lengthy scolding from my mother.
—
Edwidge Danticat,
New Yorker,
23 Nov. 2025
Verb
Security guard Pascal Duvier, most recently infamous for allegedly scolding 11-year-old Ada Law at a hotel in São Paulo, is clearing the air.
—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Let your management company put up the scolding sign on your behalf!
—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding
Noun
-
This is a really good writer-talking-to-another-writer question.
-
Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice.
Verb
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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.
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If something’s not done as far as reprimanding, what will that do to him as a student?
Noun
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Maybe your flight was canceled, your luggage disappeared, you got stranded overseas, missed a cruise departure or learned a hard lesson the hard way.
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Days began with morning yoga and consisted of one-on-one therapy sessions, emotionally exhausting group exercises, and experiential lessons like art therapy and roleplaying.
Verb
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College professors spend less time lecturing than a typical sportswriter creating fake controversies to criticize.
-
If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.
Noun
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This year’s final Edinburgh kicks off in around two months and its keynote MacTaggart lecture will be delivered by YouTube EMEA boss Pedro Pina.
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The iconic McTaggart lecture will remain a key part of the festival schedule, Glennie confirmed.
Verb
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The group issued a point-by-point analysis of the memorandum, criticizing it for potentially freeing up tens of billions of dollars for Iran without putting sufficient safeguards to ensure the country won’t use the money to fund operations against the United States.
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The week, however, was not without controversy for the South Korean team, as the squad barred press from their home country after audio of media criticizing the mandatory military service exemption granted to Son was leaked.
Noun
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The couple is set to face punishment for the horrific deaths during sentencing on July 10.
-
The city shows how quickly a violent act can be transformed into collective punishment.
Verb
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Vitello, on Tuesday, sided with Devers in blaming the media for this dramatic storyline, comparing it to an early-season blowup between Matt Chapman and Casey Schmitt.
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Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is suing Mayor Karen Bass personally, alleging that, while campaigning for reelection, Bass defamed her, damaging Crowley’s reputation by blaming her for the city’s response during the catastrophic Palisades fire.
Cite this Entry
“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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