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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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

Nothing says ordinary pneumonia quite like a cordon and a proper scolding.

— Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Staging a movie of broad scolding maximalism isn’t the same thing as staging a movie of debonair satirical insanity.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of scolding

Verb

Moore said his priorities include making Maryland more affordable, addressing high energy costs, boosting the economy by attracting more investments and businesses, cutting state spending and keeping Maryland in the national spotlight.

— CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Hurst, a member of Folsom’s Planning Commission who previously worked for the California Department of Finance, emphasized responsible spending, transparency and addressing the city’s growing maintenance needs.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of addressing

Noun

Nihon University German film professor Shibuya Tetsuya, who gave an introductory lecture on German cinema, noted that the film even features a vegetarian vampire.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Ahead of the midterms, a group of them left Washington to attend a four-part lecture series given by Peter Thiel, who cautioned that the next President might be the Antichrist.

— Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of lecture

Noun

Amused, the actor offered a gentle lesson in mixing the perfect vodka and orange juice—just one of countless tales this legendary hotel has collected over nearly a century.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Not knowing the answer could be the most useful part of today’s lesson.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 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

Despite Newsom’s push to commute all death sentences, capital punishment remains legal in California and prosecutors can continue seeking that punishment.

— Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Another factor that influences recess is when schools deny students recess time as a form of punishment – a policy that some scholars and educators are trying to block through legislation.

— Louisa Penfold, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of punishment

Noun

Props to the whole team for trying to get the sketch back on track, and for Day improvising a small admonishment within the scene.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of admonishment

Noun

The shimmery shade was used as eye shadow complimenting Nash-Betts’ long black lashes, and also paired as a gloss with brown lip liner to finish off the glam designed by Naima Jamal.

— Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Sinot then applied a smattering of rhinestones to Larsson's inner crease, but most of the sparkle was concentrated just past her outer lashes and up her temples in a wing-like shape.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lash

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talking points

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“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of talking-to

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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