as in scolding
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of talking-to
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
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
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
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
-
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
-
Avoiding public scolding, vague directions, or emotional reactions can make discipline more effective and respectful.—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
But that move has always struck me as a little goofy in an introduction, like the teacher who delivers her lecture on punctuality to a bunch of empty seats.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The lecture will cover how to use the flower in gardens and for decorations.—
La Jolla Light,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the city does not track how often teachers use Hidden Voices, which is optional, in their classrooms, the guides have been downloaded more than 100,000 times, and lesson plans and posters 50,000 times, according to local education data.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Because that, folks, is where the lessons lie.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Fransein’s experiences as chief judge led her to identify training and education as important factors in addressing shortfalls in legal representation.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Savannah Guthrie has released a fourth video addressing the apparent abduction of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This change comes after Grok received a dressing-down from users and international officials for complying with requests to digitally undress women and underage girls or create sexualized deep fakes of them without their consent.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
That spectacle was followed by a very public dressing-down of Zelensky by Trump and Vance in the Oval Office.—
Nathan Hodge,
CNN Money,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Santa Clara, California — Mike Vrabel made his nnname in the NFL as a crunching outside linebacker, delivering punishment to opposing offenses and blowing up their plays on his way to winning multiple Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
-
He was sentenced to an unconditional discharge, leaving his conviction intact but sparing him any punishment.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Discipline can range from an admonishment to suspension of license to disbarment.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
-
In an attempt to still force a vote on the censure, Zepeda proposed amending the mayor’s item to include a formal council admonishment.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Makeup artist Kenya Alexis created a softly graphic cut crease reminiscent of mod looks, going especially bold with the sharply winged lower liner and clusters of lashes on her lower lash line.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Olive oil esters enhance the formula by conditioning lashes while adding subtle shine.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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