scold

[skohld] / skoʊld /

VERB

find fault with

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonish berate blame castigate censure chide criticize denounce rebuke reprimand reproach taunt upbraid vilify

STRONG

abuse asperse cavil chasten disparage expostulate lecture nag preach rail rate ream recriminate reprobate reprove revile vituperate

WEAK

dress down give a talking-to jump on keep aft lay down the law light into objurate put down rake over the coals take to task tell off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

applaud approve commend compliment exonerate flatter laud praise

STRONG

help honor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The movie doesn’t quite know how to handle Mabel: She’s meant to be charmingly determined but comes across as more of a scold and a busybody.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

‘You can’t degrade the travel experience for decades and then scold people for dressing to endure the experience.’

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

She didn’t scold me, belittle me or force me to pick sides.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2024

Aunt Kitty didn’t even have the spirit to scold me for my own rough language.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

scold

Example Sentences

Related Words