Synonyms of scolding

scolding 1 of 2

noun

as in talking-to

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

scolding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scold

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scolding

Noun

The scolding is surprising since the FCC usually doesn’t comment on pending satellite applications. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026

The scolding came after Heuermann’s lawyer, Michael Brown, introduced a new stack of motions further challenging evidence in the infamous murder case on Monday evening, the Post reported. — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026

Verb

Remake includes footage of Adrian urging his father to consider Carr’s offer, and gently scolding him for having passed up certain opportunities to make money—money that would have made the family's life better—off his filmmaking acumen. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026

Soon though, Shawna noticed some of Zaayer's strange behaviors — including scolding her grandson, getting upset over cleaning habits and allegedly showing them racist videos. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026