RIOT ACT Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

riot act

noun

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as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval at a specially called meeting, he read the riot act to his staff for their poor handling of the crisis

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Recent Examples of riot act During negotiations for a cease-fire, Steven Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, read Netanyahu the riot act, potentially pushing the deal over the line—even before Trump took office. —Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2025 In the late ’80s, for example, he was implicated (and read the riot act by a court for his actions) in the goring and critical injury of a fellow outdoorsman, an event that cost Peter at least one of his oldest friends in Africa. —Chris Wallace, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024 Expert John reads him the riot act, and says that Timmy is either going to have to give Lucinda a smooch and lean into the affection — or the relationship is dunzo. —Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 11 Feb. 2024