TALKING (TO) Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

talking-to 1 of 2

noun

Definition of talking-to

as in scolding

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Dissimilar Words

talking (to)

2 of 2

verb

present participle of talk (to)

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

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for talking-to

Noun

Patrick injects a light touch into his scolding of restaurant staff when a tablecloth isn’t crisply ironed or cutlery and glasses are improperly placed.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
In Pennsylvania, two teenage boys were given a scolding and probation after using some of these same tools to create and distribute CSAM of their classmates.

— Alex Hartman, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scolding

Verb

The Edmonton Oilers spent the summer fixing long-standing cap issues, addressing immediate team needs and getting younger at important roster spots.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Companies that have been hoping to colonize the cosmos are not addressing the potential environmental and atmospheric impacts of that expansion.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of addressing

Noun

For many, the day is remembered through museum exhibits, classroom lessons, anniversary broadcasts and the stories shared by survivors and victims' families.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Every guest pays $100 a night towards conservation projects, which include rebuilding schools and clinics on the mainland, and providing conservation lessons to schools and fishing communities.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of lesson

Noun

And while this dressing-down of beloved works might seem like another bummer in a world of doomscrolling, @heartthrobanderson is anything but.

— Jessica Lipsky, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
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

Definition of dressing-down

Noun

Likewise, many people believed that Silver would avoid imposing a harsh punishment on Ballmer, or that the investigators would evade asking tough questions.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
Knight considered a punishment range of five to 99 years, or life.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of punishment

Noun

That video shows three boys scrubbing the floor and walls of a room in the school with rags as Morrison shouts commands and admonishments.

— Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 24 July 2026
Debbie Wasserman Schultz disregards criticism Longtime Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is staying in the race to represent a historically Black Broward County congressional district — even after a public admonishment from state party Chair Nikki Fried.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

Definition of admonishment

Noun

Meanwhile, her cheeks and lips were accented with a faint swipe of peach blush and rose gloss, and her lashes were coated in black mascara, giving the overall look a refined appeal.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
The new release comes nearly one month after Cécred announced the expansion of its restoring collection and the launch of its restoring lash and brow builder, inspired by the success of its viral edge drops.

— Caché McClay, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of lash

Browse Nearby Words

talking points

talking-to

talking (to)

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“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of talking-to

noun

verb

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