as in scolding
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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 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
-
The event is designed as more than a lecture.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The Daniel Pearl Memorial lecture series honors the late journalist and is considered the capstone of the university’s Burkle Center for International Relations.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Dodgers group that now owns the Lakers was granted a compelling history lesson during an hourlong ceremony that culminated in a theatrical unveiling of Riley’s statue, smartly situated between the bronzes of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
As for Vitello, this spring will be less about what’s on the scoreboard and more about the lessons that come with checking off the next box.—
Haley Smilow,
Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In a statement addressing the incident on Monday, Davidson reiterated that his verbal tics and uncontrollable swearing, which are symptoms of Tourette's, are involuntary.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The legislation, however, does not yet create a clear regime specifically addressing performers’ likenesses, biometric data or voice cloning.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
23 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
-
If the red card is overturned, the UEFA disciplinary panel would have the power to remove all punishment or reinstate the initial yellow card, which would lead to a one-match ban for a red card for two bookable offences.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Feb. 2026
-
His sentence was the longest punishment brought to date since China imposed the national security law in 2020, essentially silencing Hong Kong's dissent.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 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
-
On the first runway of NYFW, Thomas de Kluyver swept lids at Marc Jacobs with frosty blue shadow from lash to brow.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The exterior of the bag features ample lash points, adjustable and removable shoulder straps, and grab handles, increasing versatility and expedition functionality.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
