as in to reprimand
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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Recent Examples of scold
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Mar. 2022
Bozell, who plays a media scold on television, has written a book that despite its subtitle is neither dogmatic nor even thematic.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 6 Jan. 2022
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Paul Krugman has referred to deficit hawks as ‘deficit scolds’, because the spend more time warning about the dangers of the deficit than fixing it.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for scold
Verb
When Roger Goodell suspended Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for at least one full season for betting on NFL games, the commissioner was very careful with the wording of his official scold.
—Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Mar. 2022
Bozell, who plays a media scold on television, has written a book that despite its subtitle is neither dogmatic nor even thematic.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 6 Jan. 2022
Noun
With Kapanen still scolding himself high in the zone, Luostarinen saw wide open defenseman Sean Jones breaking through the left circle.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Paul Krugman has referred to deficit hawks as ‘deficit scolds’, because the spend more time warning about the dangers of the deficit than fixing it.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for scold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scold
Verb
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The responding officer later reprimanded the woman for entering the vehicle to help the dog.—
Sydney Sasser
July 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 July 2025
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Some judges are known to reprimand attorneys who miss deadlines and even sanction them.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Gavin could learn something to benefit Californians rather than lecturing Americans 3,000 miles away.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
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Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Lincoln Mitchell, a political strategy and campaign specialist who lectures at Columbia University, to understand what Mamdani’s primary win might indicate about the direction of national politics.—
Lincoln Mitchell,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Bryan, who selected the $100,000 winning envelope, chose to split the prize with Amaya — a decision that earned some praise but also a few critics.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
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In 1984, his administration attempted to kidnap a former minister and vocal critic living in Britain.—
Benjamin Ezeamalu,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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Tesla’s work conditions have been immensely criticized over the years, as current and former employees claim Musk pushes employees to do 80-hour work weeks.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Neither side has accepted the proposal announced Tuesday by Trump, who has admonished Hamas that if the militant group does not buy into the offer, its prospects will get worse.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
2 July 2025
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At public meetings for approving such rate hikes, unhappy ratepayers regularly rail against the company and admonish utility regulators.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump doubled down on his past criticism and blamed Biden for Powell remaining in the role.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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While most of us could only dream of being so effortlessly chic, Parisians have it down pat—so who could blame us for wanting to borrow some of their go-to French fashion styles?—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated the Ukrainian president in front of the media.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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That Hartig berated some court workers with false accusations about mismanaging drug court funds.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The three chastised her for contacting Uthmeier without holding a special meeting or consulting with the other commissioners.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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Councilmember Rodriguez chastised both Park and Soto-Martínez.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scold. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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