TELL OFF Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

tell off

verb

Definition of tell off

as in to rail (at or against)

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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 tell off Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha praised comedian Jerry Seinfeld for telling off an anti-Israel influencer after a New York Knicks game Wednesday. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2026 When Hunt didn’t seem to flinch at the thought, Steadman recalled, Steadman told off the insistent Dixon. — Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025 In a viral TikTok video, a golden retriever gets told off for being annoying—his reaction to being scolded melts hearts across social-media users. — Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 Lombardi had voiced her concerns about the impact of the Blue Angels flying over Seattle in 2023, telling off the squadron in an expletive-laden tirade. — Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC news, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tell off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell off

Verb

Sporting Kansas City joined the vanquished Galaxy and Real Salt Lake on Saturday as LAFC cut up the last-place team in the Western Conference, 4-0.

— Josh Gross, Daily News, 26 July 2026
Use leftover cheese scraps, cut up, in pasta salad, melted in macaroni and cheese, or add to snack boxes.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026

Definition of cut up

Verb

Kittens chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult cats may chew out of boredom, stress or habit.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
It was widely reported that team president Masai Ujiri went into Casey’s office after Game 3 to chew out the coach for not preparing his team better to defend James’ memorable game-winner over OG Anunoby, who is now a Knick.

— Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Definition of chew out

Verb

With visceral immediacy, O’Farrell channels the terror of arriving in a strange land, ragged and famished, without family, friends, or funds.

— Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2026
Seven years ago, Lyon ran Barcelona ragged in their first women’s Champions League final, consigning them to a 4-1 defeat.

— Megan Feringa, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Definition of rag

Verb

Zirkzee added the second before Devaney punished slack defending from a set-piece in the 63rd minute.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 July 2026
City officials and police are concerned about an increase over the summer, and are under pressure to prevent similar gatherings or to punish those who participate.

— Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Definition of punish

Verb

Continue reading … VANITY TOUR — Critics scold Anthony Fauci diary entries that reveal fixation on fame, press coverage.

— , FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.

— Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

Towns intervened as Brady was escorted away from Paul, who continued jawing at the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 20 July 2026
After he and Nyland were seen jawing back and forth, Neymar buried the attempt, which was ultimately a consolation goal.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of jaw

Browse Nearby Words

tell (of)

tell off

tell (on)

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Style

“Tell off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell%20off. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tell off

verb

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