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.

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,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

"Now I'm braver, so I go along with it when they scold me."

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2025

Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

Sass did not even have the energy to scold me when I let the ghee boil over into the fire or forgot to sweep the courtyard.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan