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
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
Verb
Eventually, all charges were dropped days before trial, with Perry scolding prosecutors for violating the inherent trust placed in the office. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • Instead of reprimanding his pet, Linnetz seems to recognize the moment as a potentially good shot.
    — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The audience awkwardly chuckles, and Scovel, eyes still closed, begins reprimanding them.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reprimanding
Noun
  • The enduring lesson of Reykjavík is not simply about nuclear weapons or diplomacy.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There are important investing lessons to learn from Microsoft's road back to its first record close in almost a year.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lesson
Verb
  • For decades, Zinn traveled the country lecturing to packed auditoriums.
    — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The bald guy lecturing me on how to get the money looked real enough, but the question of his true being kept rattling around my increasingly paranoid mind.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of lecturing
Noun
  • The institute expects to add 16 subspecialty providers, expand clinical trial opportunities and house outpatient therapy, rehabilitation and neuro infusion services, along with Baptist Health’s first academic lecture theater.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, the very week our paper was accepted, a leading expert gave a lecture stating that everyone knew T cells could not be grown in culture.
    — Robert C. Gallo, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of lecture
Verb
  • Multiple Republicans brought up Bottoms during the debate when criticizing their GOP opponent.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Raman brought up Gates briefly while criticizing the mayor over the Los Angeles Police Department’s handling of federal immigration enforcement during Tuesday night’s debate.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticizing
Noun
  • Neither White, Belcher nor Thompson — or KU’s athletic department — risk punishment if the players compete in games.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Six states were responsible for the 31 executions in 2026 — even though 27 states still legally allow the most severe form of punishment in this country.
    — Nate Perez, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of punishment
Verb
  • No commercial goods have entered the Gaza Strip for two days, Israeli authorities said Thursday, blaming the suspension on merchants angered by taxes imposed by the militant group Hamas — a claim that Palestinian importers deny.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Guillard would go on to upload hundreds of videos blaming the professor, raking in millions of views.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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