TALKING (TO) Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

talking-to 1 of 2

noun

Definition of talking-to

as in scolding

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talking (to)

2 of 2

verb

present participle of talk (to)

as in speaking (to or with)

to communicate with by means of spoken words I had never talked to a real live cowboy before

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 talking-to

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for talking-to

Noun

Following Putin’s scolding of his aides on Wednesday, the central bank chief said Thursday that Russia’s unemployment rate remained at a historic low of 2% as the war created a lack of available workers, forcing employers to compete for staff.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2026
The scolding was met with more meows and barks.

— Clara McMichael, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

Definition of scolding

Verb

This is the first in a five-piece-series addressing how to test and train your balance at home.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Meeting their needs requires addressing stagnant Medicaid rates for behavioral health and ensuring health insurance covers behavioral needs, advocates said.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of addressing

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

Noun

And while this dressing-down of beloved works might seem like another bummer in a world of doomscrolling, @heartthrobanderson is anything but.

— Jessica Lipsky, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
This change comes after Grok received a dressing-down from users and international officials for complying with requests to digitally undress women and underage girls or create sexualized deep fakes of them without their consent.

— Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

Definition of dressing-down

Noun

That video shows three boys scrubbing the floor and walls of a room in the school with rags as Morrison shouts commands and admonishments.

— Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 24 July 2026
Debbie Wasserman Schultz disregards criticism Longtime Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is staying in the race to represent a historically Black Broward County congressional district — even after a public admonishment from state party Chair Nikki Fried.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

Definition of admonishment

Browse Nearby Words

talking points

talking-to

talking (to)

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Style

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

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Synonyms of talking-to

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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