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

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

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

Justice Barrett actually sounded kind of sharp, almost scolding, in the opinion in her criticism of the assertions made by the plaintiffs and some of the justices in the minority. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 1 July 2026