scold

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.

She has the spine to hold her own against him, but it’s hard to play withholding, particularly when the film needs her character to be both the voice of reason and a politically correct scold.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

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

Kelly went on to scold Poehler for a brief moment during the episode when Poehler erroneously thought Paltrow starred in the 2003 drama, “Cold Mountain,” saying that the mistake was “embarrassing and disrespectful.”

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026

“Rupa! Go pump more water and peel the potatoes. And don’t scold your brother—I’m sure he’ll start studying harder than ever now.”

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins