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
-
Use it to summarize lecture notes.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
-
No one wants a lecture on tannins at a crowded street party.—
Jonathan Kleeman,
Rolling Stone,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That there are lessons for all of us in those tears, this journey.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The broader lesson is that global convergence is neither automatic nor guaranteed, but instead depends on certain conditions such as undisturbed markets, even as long-term progress has proven more robust than critics often assume.—
Chelsea Follett,
Oc Register,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Not long ago, California took a baby step toward addressing this rampant decay.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
These two behaviors suggest that dolphins are capable of addressing or labeling specific individuals.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 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
-
The slim, precision wand grips even the straightest lashes, creating a wide-awake, lash-lift effect in just one coat.—
Olivia Cefalu,
InStyle,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Criticizing the regime or Islam online or in conversation can result in arrest, physical punishment (like lashes) or worse.—
Agustina Vergara Cid,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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