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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Explore the history and legacy of the Rosewood Massacre of 1923 through an insightful lecture and exhibit; 5:30-6:30 p.m., Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables.—
Angel Doval,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
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What To Know According to details shared by Doubleday, the book opens in Prague, where Langdon plans to attend a lecture by noetic scientist Katherine Solomon.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Final Thoughts The cannabis industry’s experience provides a valuable lesson: good intentions are not enough.—
Summer Westerbur,
Rolling Stone,
27 Jan. 2025
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Keeping a good home, working hard, being grateful, and loving those around her were lessons carried from growing up with Abuela.—
Zayda Rivera,
Parents,
27 Jan. 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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Please remember that Rikers is not meant to be a place for punishment.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
28 Jan. 2025
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Only in the mid-nineteenth century did the English word become synonymous with the idea of time coming to a full stop, signalling both punishment and redemption.—
Arthur Krystal,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Her outfit, supported by minimal jewelry, contrasted to her glam makeup and lashes, and fit in with the minimalist ensembles sported by the other members of her family.—
Sam Woodward,
USA TODAY,
21 Jan. 2025
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Her glam included bold eyes, long lashes and a glossy lip for added definition.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Enter Central Cee, the 25-year-old rap sensation from the West London neighborhood of Shepherd’s Bush, whose reign over social feeds these past few years feels uncontested.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
24 Jan. 2025
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Fellow Queens native Nicki Minaj, who came in second on the list, was the only other New York rap artist to garner over one billion streams on the platform, with Cardi B, JAY-Z, and late Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke serving as distant runner-ups.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While most have become accustomed and perhaps even oblivious to McGregor’s online rants, openly criticizing a business partner is a little dicey.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes,
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 2 Feb. 2025.
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