talking-to 1 of 2

talking (to)

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verb

present participle of talk (to)
as in speaking (to or with)
to communicate with by means of spoken words I had never talked to a real live cowboy before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of talking-to
Noun
Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talking-to
Noun
  • After the meeting, Mr. Schumer pulled him aside for a rare scolding.
    Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Final Thoughts The cannabis industry’s experience provides a valuable lesson: good intentions are not enough.
    Summer Westerbur, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • In other words, if the board finds the union does not represent the players, especially without substantively addressing the legal question of whether the players are employees within the meaning of the NLRA, the matter would likely end there.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Any partnership or sponsorship agreement must include specific provisions addressing TikTok unavailability.
    Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
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
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Her glam included bold eyes, long lashes and a glossy lip for added definition.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Forgotten now is Carter’s admonition that natural gas should be considered a premium fuel because of its scarcity and conserved for ‘noble’ uses like petrochemicals.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • At the time, the comedian’s admonition was notable for its acidity during what is typically a collegial ceremony.
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near talking-to

talking points

talking-to

talking (to)

Cite this Entry

“Talking-to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talking-to. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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