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

Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
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

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

Especially for him in the same interview to be lecturing my party on democracy and norms.

— NBC news, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Before long, at the height of France’s own student protests, in 1968, Ascherson was lecturing at the Sorbonne on post-Stalinist revolutionary ideas and tactics.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 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-lashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tongue-lashing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tongue-lashing

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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