as in scolding
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lecturing
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dressing-down
Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
So, while O’Neil will be in constant dialogue with Mosquera about ensuring his actions do not cross a line and disadvantage his team, there are no plans for a dressing-down over Saturday nor moves to curb his fiery streak too much.
—Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
Reporters allowed back into courtroom as Costello testimony continues
Robert Costello has resumed his testimony after what appears to have been a private dressing-down by Judge Juan Merchan.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2016
The Indian Foreign Ministry immediately summoned German and U.S. diplomats for a dressing-down in New Delhi.
—Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
Moreover, in a very rare action, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. was called to the State Department for a dressing-down.
—Elliott Abrams, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023
Noun
Nine goals, a 30-minute hat-trick, an unlikely comeback, a last-gasp winner, comedic errors and a dressing-down on the pitch at full-time, all played out in teeming rain in Lisbon, made this a night to remember.
—Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
So, while O’Neil will be in constant dialogue with Mosquera about ensuring his actions do not cross a line and disadvantage his team, there are no plans for a dressing-down over Saturday nor moves to curb his fiery streak too much.
—Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
Reporters allowed back into courtroom as Costello testimony continues
Robert Costello has resumed his testimony after what appears to have been a private dressing-down by Judge Juan Merchan.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2016
The Indian Foreign Ministry immediately summoned German and U.S. diplomats for a dressing-down in New Delhi.
—Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
Moreover, in a very rare action, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. was called to the State Department for a dressing-down.
—Elliott Abrams, National Review, 24 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dressing-down
Noun
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After the meeting, Mr. Schumer pulled him aside for a rare scolding.—
Annie Karni,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
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Though beset by soul-breaking external pressures — including frequent scoldings from his boss, Gloria (Michael Hyatt), for the hospital’s low patient-satisfaction scores — Robby is a bottomless vessel for the pain, anger, fear, frustration, and heartbreak of those around him.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Not only did the experts provide lectures, but guests could reserve dinner with them or have chat with them in the lounge.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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The anniversary of the landmark building has inspired parties, lectures, special tours and other celebrations.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This history has a clear lesson: without addressing the Kurds’ cultural, linguistic, and political demands, achieving peace and stability in the Middle East is impossible.—
Sefa Secen & Serhun Al / Made by History,
TIME,
7 Feb. 2025
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Besides providing for her family, Carol enjoyed taking singing lessons with her twin sister, Doris, as a young gal.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
16 Jan. 2025
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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
Noun
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All of these moves have offered a window into how Mr. Martin might deal with Mr. Trump’s suggestions that his adversaries should face some sort of punishment.—
Eileen Sullivan,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
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In what President Donald Trump says is a move to protect the rule of law and free speech advocates see as an attack on it, the White House is promising tougher punishments for vandalizing public monuments, statues and religious displays.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Record-breaking rain lashes California, with two people killed during storm in Sonoma County.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2025
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Each coat deposits a layer of polymers that wraps around each lash.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With Alligator Bites Never Heal winning best rap album, Doechii became only the third woman artist to ever take home the prestigious honor.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
17 Feb. 2025
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The Academy Award-winner did an impression of Eleven on Stranger Things, showed off her New England accent, wore her little Jackie O hat, and dropped another rap.—
Shannon Carlin,
TIME,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Finally, Assad’s fall has fueled domestic discontent among loyalists to the regime in Tehran, with some calling the loss a strategic blunder and openly criticizing the government on state television.—
Hamidreza Azizi,
Foreign Affairs,
23 Dec. 2024
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Shiney-Ajay said Harris should have spent additional time criticizing lawmakers—like Manchin and Congressional Republicans—who limited the administration's climate goals, using it as a chance to emphasize her intent to seek greater climate victories in the future.—
Alex J. Rouhandeh,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near dressing-down
Cite this Entry
“Dressing-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dressing-down. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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