SCOLDING Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

scolding 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scolding

as in talking-to

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

scolding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scold

as in reprimanding

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings he scolded the kids for not cleaning up the mess they had made in the kitchen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 scolding

Noun

Avoiding public scolding, vague directions, or emotional reactions can make discipline more effective and respectful. — Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 20 Dec. 2025 Flies did not follow me, but someone’s gaze did, leading to a lengthy scolding from my mother. — Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025

Verb

Soon though, Shawna noticed some of Zaayer's strange behaviors — including scolding her grandson, getting upset over cleaning habits and allegedly showing them racist videos. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Justice Barrett actually sounded kind of sharp, almost scolding, in the opinion in her criticism of the assertions made by the plaintiffs and some of the justices in the minority. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scolding

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding

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

Definition of talking-to

Verb

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
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon criticized Spain for lecturing Israel on security while struggling to control its own border.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of lecturing

Noun

Asking about being alone with a Haitian, for instance, prompted a quick lecture on resisting the forces of prejudice.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
But Wolff says the food patterns children see at home tend to stick, which is why parents modeling nutritious choices can carry more weight than any lecture.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of lecture

Verb

Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026
McCain has often spoken out against the British royal family and Markle, in particular, routinely criticizing her on the Happy Hour talk series during the 2025 release of Markle’s docuseries With Love, Meghan.

— Mariel Turner, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of criticizing

Verb

People shooting them too far forward and then blaming the cartridge, maybe.

— Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
But blaming the technology risks obscuring the fact that humans write the code, select the data on which AI systems are trained, approve their use, and decide where and how they are deployed.

— Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of blaming

Browse Nearby Words

scolded

scolding

scoldings

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of scolding

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on scolding

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

prowess

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes