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

After Szabo cuts up Matt’s face in one of many graphic scenes, the actor loses his career and just about everything else in his life.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Union President Carrie Kyung said the plan includes cutting up to 18 English learner teachers and would affect at least two dozen schools.

— Jason Rantala, CBS News, 20 Oct. 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

The course is august and sweeping, with long straights and punishing curves, framed by the tall pine trees of a former royal park.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Cam Skattebo was surprisingly punished for his fumbling issues, but there is precedence in John Harbaugh’s coaching history.

— Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of punish

Verb

Late in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 32-29 victory in Seattle, Fox Sports cameras showed Evans and Seahawks cornerback Trevon Diggs jawing after a play.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of jaw

Verb

At a time when everyone is asking where men fit in, this film doesn’t lecture.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Respondents in England and Australia were more likely to associate teaching with institutional, credentialed and paid professional roles, such as nursing, lecturing and social work.

— Gustavo E. Fischman, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of lecture

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 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tell off

verb

Example Sentences

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