scolding 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scoldingnext
as in talking-to

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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
The scolding came after Heuermann’s lawyer, Michael Brown, introduced a new stack of motions further challenging evidence in the infamous murder case on Monday evening, the Post reported. — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026 Avoiding public scolding, vague directions, or emotional reactions can make discipline more effective and respectful. — Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 20 Dec. 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
  1. talking-to
  2. reprimanding
  3. lesson
  4. lecturing
  5. lecture
  6. criticizing
  7. punishment
  8. blaming
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
  • The audience awkwardly chuckles, and Scovel, eyes still closed, begins reprimanding them.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of reprimanding
Noun
  • This was the first life lesson Dolly Parton delivered in her earliest appearance on Hannah Montana as the ebullient Aunt Dolly.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, one lesson of these novels seemed to be that American girls were loveable in much the same way that America’s past was—as an ideal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lesson
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
  • Flipping the lecture cycle Classically, engineering courses default to hours of lectures where students are expected to take notes, with problem sets and exams bolted on.
    — Jason Corso, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As YouTube faces heightened scrutiny in Brussels, the lecture also had some lobbying purposes.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lecture
Verb
  • Republican lawmaker Carl DeMaio of San Diego has vocalized his opposition in discussions of the bill, criticizing the idea of providing funding to outlets that make political endorsements.
    — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Yiannopoulos rose to prominence through his provocative statements criticizing political correctness, feminism and Islam.
    — Chris Arnold, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticizing
Noun
  • Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Hisbah members also face widespread allegations of rights abuses in their enforcement operations, including subjecting offenders to dehumanizing punishments such as public beatings or shaming.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of punishment
Verb
  • While there is plenty of frustration about prices, there are also voters willing to make adjustments without blaming Republicans.
    — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • No one should reach the end of their life blaming themselves for cancer being detected too late.
    — Kim Johnson, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of blaming

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Cite this Entry

“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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