hectoring

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.

A light touch works better than self-righteous hectoring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Biden will bring up concerns about press freedoms, religious freedoms and other issues in a respectful way without "hectoring, lecturing or scolding," one U.S. official who briefed reporters said.

From Reuters • Jun. 22, 2023

I've been on the service since 2007, and one thing has become depressingly clear: People get way more RTs, replies and likes if they take a hectoring, moralistic tone.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2022

The Finale was, unusually, more moving, with its seesawing between peace and war; in van Zweden’s smooth, happy-minded rendition of the work, neither too heavy nor hectoring, it was no surprise which side eventually triumphed.

From New York Times • Nov. 3, 2022

Then Comrade Pillai, in a hectoring voice, quoted Chairman Mao.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy