TONGUE-LASHING Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

tongue-lashing 1 of 2

noun

as in invective

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tongue-lashing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of tongue-lash

as in scolding

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings the drill sergeant tongue-lashed the recruits with a colorful litany of foulmouthed invectives

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for tongue-lashing

Noun

Each was cast as the antagonist in the game that saw England’s exit a World Cup or European Championship, prompting invective from rival supporters and a siege mentality in Manchester.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
These invectives evidently haven’t spooked Son, who once predicted that AI superintelligence would exist by 2035.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 July 2026

Definition of invective

Verb

Rather than scolding parents about screens, society could do more to support families in ways that obviate the need for screen time.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 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 scolding

Noun

For aficionados of foams and flavorings, there’s a seasonal rotation of coffee concoctions such as the Lakeside Daydream, cold brew with a lashing of raspberry syrup and a cloud of pistachio cold foam.

— Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Instead people voted with their wallets and not a single person was harmed except maybe some marketing guys getting a tongue lashing.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of lashing

Verb

Approaching hesitant individuals Health experts said that addressing vaccine-hesitant people starts with listening rather than lecturing.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement.

— David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of lecturing

Noun

As these things go, the tweet exposes Hotez to public vituperation on social media and possibly physical harm.

— Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
On March 12, Nickels tweeted a notice of a scientific conference in Washington at which Peter Daszak, the head of a research funding organization who has long been the target of vituperation by lab-leak advocates, would appear on a panel.

— Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024

Definition of vituperation

Noun

Under the Premier League’s general disciplinary rules, its board can issue a reprimand, impose a fine of up to £100,000 through its summary jurisdiction or refer an alleged breach to an independent commission.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The internal affairs investigator recommended a verbal reprimand, which was approved by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

— Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of reprimand

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tongue-lashes

tongue-lashing

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“Tongue-lashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-lashing. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tongue-lashing

noun

verb

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