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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.

The matchmakers have been known to give participants a telling-off for certain behaviours or comments that they deem unacceptable.

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2024

On one occasion, when he almost destroyed it, Bob recalled getting a severe telling-off from his mum, who "stood it up again, bandaged it up and it took off again."

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2023

Mrs. Agbani had given them a round telling-off.

From New York Times • Sep. 3, 2021

Beijing on Monday also summoned the Czech ambassador for a telling-off.

From Reuters • Sep. 1, 2020

But Roy didn’t get the terrible telling-off we were expecting, and in the days that followed, there were reports of guardians talking—even arguing—about the tokens question.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro