Definitions

scold

[skohld] / skoʊld /

VERB

find fault with

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonish berate blame castigate censure chide criticize denounce rebuke reprimand reproach taunt upbraid vilify

STRONG

abuse asperse cavil chasten disparage expostulate lecture nag preach rail rate ream recriminate reprobate reprove revile vituperate

WEAK

dress down give a talking-to jump on keep aft lay down the law light into objurate put down rake over the coals take to task tell off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

applaud approve commend compliment exonerate flatter laud praise

STRONG

help honor

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.

"I really want to give it up. Every day I scold myself and tell myself to quit: no more, no more."

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

As Mr. Clark tells us, an allegation against the pastors was set in motion in 1835 by Count Finck von Finckenstein, a nasty moral scold and the villain of the story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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

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

It's not my place to scold or discipline him.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Vocabulary lists containing scold

Instead of "Said": Vexed Verbiage to Express Anger

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Curmudgeon, Cantankerous and Churlish: Grouchy Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Wasn't Me: The Lingo of Laying Blame

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!