scolding 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scoldingnext
as in talking-to

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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

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
Noun
The scolding was met with more meows and barks. — Clara McMichael, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 The scolding is surprising since the FCC usually doesn’t comment on pending satellite applications. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026 In one snap, the President, viewed from above, points his finger crossly, as if scolding a scrum of unruly children. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scolding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding
  1. talking-to
  2. reprimanding
  3. lesson
  4. lecturing
  5. lecture
  6. criticizing
  7. punishment
  8. blaming
Noun
  • This is a really good writer-talking-to-another-writer question.
    — Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Roberts pulled the reliever in, gave him what seemed like a fatherly talking-to, and – after Ramirez got out of the inning with the very next pitch – noted that sometimes the best course is not to yell and scream at a player.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 30 May 2024
Definition of talking-to
Verb
  • Instead of reprimanding his pet, Linnetz seems to recognize the moment as a potentially good shot.
    — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The audience awkwardly chuckles, and Scovel, eyes still closed, begins reprimanding them.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reprimanding
Noun
  • But one of her clearest lessons came over lunch with Warren Buffett.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Consequently, we are left with questions rather than lessons learned.
    — Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of lesson
Verb
  • The bald guy lecturing me on how to get the money looked real enough, but the question of his true being kept rattling around my increasingly paranoid mind.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Especially for him in the same interview to be lecturing my party on democracy and norms.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of lecturing
Noun
  • See also, Serra, lecture delivered at the Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, MA, April 16, 1988.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • John Rogers is seen presenting a lecture in a photo that Hummin Lee emailed to Rogers on May 26, 2017.
    — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of lecture
Verb
  • Certainly there were clear taboos, beginning with questioning the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party and criticizing the country’s central leadership.
    — Howard W. French, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
  • After slogans criticizing the Sacramento State administration appeared in chalk on the facade of a 64-year-old campus building earlier this week, at least one student is now facing potential disciplinary action.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticizing
Noun
  • Immigration detention centers are designed to hold individuals awaiting decisions in their civil immigration cases, not as punishment for a crime.
    — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His punishments were focused on learning from the experience, according to documents filed in his subsequent lawsuit.
    — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of punishment
Verb
  • During the debate, both candidates seemed prepared to focus on the lack of affordability — namely by blaming the other’s political party for it.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Variable To Watch This is, admittedly, a less exciting explanation than blaming the market.
    — Khalifa Aldhaheri, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of blaming

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Cite this Entry

“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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