RAGGING Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

ragging

verb

present participle of rag

as in scolding

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings several readers called in to rag the editor for his paper's repeated grammatical lapses

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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 ragging In November, Green spoke to PEOPLE at the 2025 CMA Awards in Nashville, and shared a similar story about his friends ragging on him for being crowned Sexiest Country Star Alive. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragging

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

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

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

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raggedy

ragging

ragging on

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“Ragging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ragging. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ragging

verb

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