as in talking-to
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 scolding
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Neither his pressure on the Ukrainian leader, who Trump lambasted in the Oval Office, nor his recent scolding of the Kremlin ruler appear to have pushed the two sides any closer to a peace deal.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Friday saw Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch being crowned Miss Universe 2025, nearly two weeks after a livestream went viral showing pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil scolding her for allegedly refusing to participate in a photo shoot meant for contestants to share on social media.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Noun
The scolding came after Combs seemingly nodded at jurors during Bongolan’s testimony about the balcony incident.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Neither his pressure on the Ukrainian leader, who Trump lambasted in the Oval Office, nor his recent scolding of the Kremlin ruler appear to have pushed the two sides any closer to a peace deal.
—Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Verb
But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.
—Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Friday saw Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch being crowned Miss Universe 2025, nearly two weeks after a livestream went viral showing pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil scolding her for allegedly refusing to participate in a photo shoot meant for contestants to share on social media.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding
Noun
-
This is a really good writer-talking-to-another-writer question.—
Adrienne LaFrance,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Still, don’t discount the power of comforting or reprimanding statements, because both are necessary in their own ways.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Harnessing the camp of countless Drag Race acting challenges that came before her, Jujubee films a close-up reaction to a group of rowdy passengers reprimanding her, escalating the moment until her face is full-on twitching before a physical confrontation.—
Jillian Sederholm,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Provost has pledged to use those lessons learned, with labor unions awaiting details as to whether this will have implications for jobs in France.—
Albertina Torsoli,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The resort is also home to a 27-hole championship golf course, an expansive wellness spa, and a seasonal dude ranch pop-up program with horseback riding and archery lessons.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Therefore, now is not the time to be lecturing our partners and allies.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
-
That includes lecturing, building curriculum, pursuing research and speaking about university policy.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Copies of his book will be available to buy in the lobby before the lecture, and a book signing will follow the event.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The lecture gives us a bit of background on Greg’s life.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran's judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning, as authorities in Iran have almost completely shut down internet access.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran’s judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Senegal 's parliament has approved a new bill that toughens punishment for homosexuality in the largely Muslim West African nation, the latest African country to impose harsh penalties against the LGBTQ+ community.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Iranian authorities enforce laws like compulsory dress codes through Draconian forms of punishment — harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and violence.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mamdani and other officials have warned the city is in dire financial straits, largely blaming chronic underbudgeting under the previous mayoral administration.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The villagers start blaming the recluse ‘witch’ of the village who is known to practice black magic.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
