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.

Back in January at the peak of the furore over Greenland, the Treasury Secretary openly berated Deutsche Bank’s George Saravelos after the currency strategist speculated that European institutions could dump $8 trillion of U.S.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

Under cross examination, however, Kaley talked about feeling neglected, berated and picked on by family members, causing depression and anxiety that had nothing to do with social media.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Noem routinely berated staff if she saw Homan on TV and kept track of both their appearances to make sure she was on TV more than him, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Both she and Trump also publicly berated CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins this week.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Tears soon gave way to laughter though as Mutti berated Karli.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo