as in speaking (to or with)
to communicate with by means of spoken words
I had never talked to a real live cowboy before
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in scolding
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of talking-to
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
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
Verb
Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talking-to
Noun
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The New York City mayoral candidate laughed at Goldberg's playful scolding.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Oct. 2025
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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
Noun
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Expanding the curriculum Kim opened the second semester with a lecture on shifting global market dynamics, consumer behavior, production diversification, innovation strategy, traceability systems and the tightening environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulatory landscape.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
16 Oct. 2025
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Before the lecture, there will be a community dinner catered by Viewpoint Brewing Co.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some of Borseth’s priorities if elected will include ensuring school security and safety, addressing chronic absenteeism and ending off-cycle, odd-year school board elections.—
Talia McWright,
Twin Cities,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The goal is to partner with the festival to create a dedicated AZ On the Rise stage, addressing what this coalition feels is a lack of sufficient homegrown representation at the three-day festival.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here’s a lesson in how to take a car from badass to bad taste.—
Sean Evans,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
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The lesson from that day has continued to change.—
Angela Kenzslowe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Earlier this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sat in the Oval Office and endured a brutal dressing-down.—
Tom Nagorski,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
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Lamb doesn’t think River even deserves a dressing-down.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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However, the league seemingly deemed his actions not punishment-worthy, saving Mahomes from an $11,593 first-offense taunting penalty.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
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Where Gentle Parenting Might Be Lacking Gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and respectful communication without harsh punishment, explains Cynthia Vejar, PhD, LPC, program director and associate professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lebanon Valley College.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That admonishment could easily dissuade American women from treating a symptom that could endanger their child.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
25 Sep. 2025
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Officials who accept anything that is not somehow related to city business are breaking the law and face consequences ranging from an admonishment to criminal prosecution.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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His lashes are long, the eyes deep-set, large and intense, staring piercingly into you.—
Touré,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
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Makeup artist Saisha Beecham lined her eyes in black, adding even more shape and definition to her long lashes.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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