berated

[bih-rey-tid] / bɪˈreɪ tɪd /

VERB

criticize hatefully

Synonyms

STRONGEST

castigate chide rebuke reprimand reproach revile scold upbraid

STRONG

blister censure chew jaw rate reprove scorch vituperate

WEAK

bawl out call down chew out cuss out eat out give one hell give what for jump all over rail at rake over the coals tell off tongue-lash

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliment flatter laud praise

WEAK

hail

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.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has openly berated reporters during Pentagon briefings for using headlines the administration dislikes.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

A man dressed as Batman berated officials in the California city set to host the Super Bowl next month over claims they could let ICE officers patrol the NFL championship game.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

“Jay Powell has been called names, has been berated, and has always not just kept his cool but kept his silence,” Bomfim said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

Also on Wednesday, Sheinbaum voiced support for Mexico’s Miss Universe representative, who walked out of the pageant along with several other contestants after she was berated by a male pageant official, who called her “dumb.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

The chief guard on duty berated me for arriving a day later than my orders specified, and sent me to the barracks.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin