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Dictionary.com

telling-off

NOUN
rebuke
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admonition censure condemnation disapproval punishment rebuff reproach snub
STRONG
admonishment affliction berating blame castigation chiding comeuppance correction earful expostulation going-over lecture lesson objurgation ostracism put down rap rating refusal remonstrance reprehension reproof reproval repulse row scolding tongue-lashing upbraiding
WEAK
bawling-out chewing-out dressing-down hard time kick in the teeth slap in the face talking-to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approval encouragement endorsement exoneration praise sanction
STRONG
commendation flattery
WEAK
compliment
NOUN
reprimand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admonition censure rebuke
STRONG
admonishment blame castigation chiding grooming lecture ragging rap reprehension reproof scolding tongue-lashing
WEAK
bawling-out calling down dressing-down hard time piece of one's mind slap on wrist talking-to what for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compliment praise
STRONG
commendation
WEAK
forgiveness reward
NOUN
row
Synonyms
STRONGEST
controversy dispute quarrel squabble trouble
STRONG
affray altercation bickering brawl castigation commotion disturbance fracas fray fuss lecture melee noise racket reprimand reproof riot rumpus run-in scrap set-to tiff tongue-lashing tumult uproar words wrangle
WEAK
falling-out knock-down-drag-out shouting match
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreement peace
STRONG
calm calmness harmony order quiet silence tranquility
NOUN
lecture
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sermon
STRONG
castigation censure chiding going-over harangue moralism preaching preachment rebuke reprimand reproof scolding
WEAK
dressing-down talking-to
Antonyms
STRONG
compliment praise

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.

MacIntyre is also trying to manage his on-course outbursts after a "telling off" for his conduct at the Masters, but described his actions as "pretty tame" and explained that his temperament is unlikely to change.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

For those who still don’t understand the situation, please rewatch Matt Hooper telling off Mayor Vaughn in “Jaws.”

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2025

The New York Times reported that even low-level grunts are becoming increasingly bold about telling off their lousy bosses.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2022

“I think it was a little naive perhaps to think that just Biden telling off Putin would actually lead to anything in and of itself,” Mr. Ellis said.

From Washington Times • Jul. 18, 2021

“I didn’t accuse,” Mr. Mwila said, as cool as Sidney Poitier telling off the white racist sheriff in the movie In the Heat of the Night.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia