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Definitions

talking-to

[taw-king-too] / ˈtɔ kɪŋˌtu /
NOUN
admonishment
Synonyms
STRONG
admonition chiding reprimand reproach reproof scolding
WEAK
dressing down
Antonyms
STRONG
praise
NOUN
admonition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rebuke reprimand
STRONG
berating reproach reproval upbraiding
WEAK
dressing down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
praise
NOUN
lecture
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sermon
STRONG
castigation censure chiding going-over harangue moralism preaching preachment rebuke reprimand reproof scolding
WEAK
dressing-down telling-off
Antonyms
STRONG
compliment praise
NOUN
reprimand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admonition censure rebuke
STRONG
admonishment blame castigation chiding grooming lecture ragging rap reprehension reproof scolding tongue-lashing
WEAK
bawling-out calling down dressing-down hard time piece of one's mind slap on wrist telling-off what for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compliment praise
STRONG
commendation
WEAK
forgiveness reward
NOUN
scolding
Synonyms
STRONG
berating chiding rating rebuke reprehension reprimand
WEAK
chewing-out
Antonyms
STRONG
praise
WEAK
commendation compliment
NOUN
tongue-lashing
Synonyms
STRONG
berating castigation chiding diatribe objurgation scolding upbraiding
WEAK
bawling-out dressing-down
Antonyms
STRONG
praise

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.

But after a serious talking-to from his corner, Catterall aimed to take the front foot and it paid off as he rocked Prograis with a hammering left.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2024

The “Oppenheimer” and “Mary Poppins Returns” star gave Gosling a stern talking-to onstage, calling him out for ruining their “The Fall Guy” promotional spot and for embarrassing himself by “Kenning” again.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2024

Now banks will get a talking-to from their risk managers and from investors, maybe even at shareholder meetings.

From Scientific American • Mar. 18, 2023

But then, day two rolled around and, suddenly, there were rules and talking-to sit-downs and the like.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2022

Maybe they’d just get a talking-to and be released.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack