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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Dissimilar Words

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

Nothing says ordinary pneumonia quite like a cordon and a proper scolding.

— Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Staging a movie of broad scolding maximalism isn’t the same thing as staging a movie of debonair satirical insanity.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of scolding

Verb

Gilbert shared a post to his Instagram story responding to the outcry from fans of the actor over the weekend, addressing claims that Danny is pro-ICE or supports Shapiro’s politics.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Caplan said that Weiss’s consistent internal communication on his action plan—addressing nine areas, including facilities, visitor experience, technology, and security—has already helped with morale.

— Hilarie M. Sheets, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of addressing

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

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

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

Noun

Props to the whole team for trying to get the sketch back on track, and for Day improvising a small admonishment within the scene.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of admonishment

Noun

The formula pairs glycerin and flexible polymers to coat and define every lash without weighing them down, while the dual-length brush prevents clumps and lengthens from root to tip.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 15 Oct. 2026
And at Mugler, makeup artist Karin Westerlund further extended their reach with feathery lashes glued to the outside of feline flicks.

— Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of lash

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of talking-to

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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