as in talking-to
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scolding
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
The scolding came after Combs seemingly nodded at jurors during Bongolan’s testimony about the balcony incident.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026
Crucially, the film avoids the trap of scolding younger generations or romanticizing the past.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Noun
The New York City mayoral candidate laughed at Goldberg's playful scolding.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
The scolding came after Combs seemingly nodded at jurors during Bongolan’s testimony about the balcony incident.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Verb
But Saxon said Ye kept him constantly on edge, demanding photo updates of construction work, scolding him for wearing blue instead of the all-black worker uniform Ye preferred, and suddenly adding 24/7 security duties to his workload.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026
Crucially, the film avoids the trap of scolding younger generations or romanticizing the past.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding
Noun
-
This is a really good writer-talking-to-another-writer question.—
Adrienne LaFrance,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In footage that circulated on social media after Sunday's telecast, the 35-year-old Best Supporting Actress nominee and recording artist was shown reprimanding someone off camera while others stepped between them.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Mar. 2026
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Even the universe seems to be reprimanding Taylor, because the women coincidentally run into Jesse Palmer, the host of The Bachelorette, at brunch.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Alyson Stoner, a former child actor who starred in movies like Cheaper by the Dozen, discussed her experience with child fame, including her face being superimposed on pornography and stalkers showing up during one of her dance lessons.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
29 Mar. 2026
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Likewise, the festive Seder comes to teach many lessons about labor and reward.—
Michael Pfleger,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Therefore, now is not the time to be lecturing our partners and allies.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
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That includes lecturing, building curriculum, pursuing research and speaking about university policy.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As Nina Corcoran noted yesterday, there’s something a little off about ye olde lecture series.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
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Tables had to be put in place following the lecture so attendees could sample the food Etebari’s mother prepared.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In 2010, a grand jury indicted former House Speaker Ray Sansom on grand theft and conspiracy charges and issued a 10-page presentment criticizing the Legislature’s appropriations process.—
Lawrence Mower,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
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Moore also pointed out flaws in facial recognition technology as a whole, criticizing its early, widespread adoption by law enforcement agencies worldwide.—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the message did not say what happened or if any students faced punishment .—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
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Georgia lawmakers have approved a bill creating more legal punishments for protesters and others who obstruct the state's streets and highways.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the interview, Guthrie talked about blaming herself.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
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The incident took on a life of its own after Ada’s mother and stepfather issued social media statements blaming Roan for the interaction.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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