calling out
Vocally naming someone
Calling out is publicly criticizing someone for behavior deemed wrong or offensive, typically in social or professional settings: She got called out for taking credit for others' work.
The phrase gained prominence with social media, where calling out often happens in front of large audiences.
It implies direct confrontation rather than private correction, and can range from warranted accountability to performative shaming.
Revealing what's hidden
- revealingMaking known what's hidden
- denouncingPublicly declaring disapproval
- shamingCausing feelings of disgrace
- outingShort recreational trip
disclosing · naming · highlighting · publicizing · spotlighting · whistleblowing · accountability · transparency
Test of ability
- accusationClaim someone did wrong
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- criticismJudgment of faults
denouncement · admonishment · objection · dispute · censure · reproach · condemnation · protest
Alert about danger
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- announcementPublic declaration of information
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- notificationFormal notice given
caution · alert · broadcast · siren · megaphone · loudspeaker · horn · intercom
Perceiving something as known
- shoutoutPublic verbal praise
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- tributeOffering of respect
- appreciationRecognition of worth
praise · kudos · salute · mention · spotlight · highlight · applause · commendation
Calling upon higher authority
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
- evocationCalling forth to mind
- incantationSpoken magical formula
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
seance · necromancy · channeling · spiritualism · mediumship · spellcasting · divination · spirits
unmasking
Revealing what's hidden
- revealingMaking known what's hidden
- denouncingPublicly declaring disapproval
- shamingCausing feelings of disgrace
outing · disclosing · naming · highlighting · publicizing · spotlighting · whistleblowing · accountability · transparency · truth-telling
challenge
Test of ability
- accusationClaim someone did wrong
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
criticism · denouncement · admonishment · objection · dispute · censure · reproach · condemnation · protest · scolding
warning
Alert about danger
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- announcementPublic declaration of information
- signalMessage-conveying cue
notification · caution · alert · broadcast · siren · megaphone · loudspeaker · horn · intercom · beacon
recognition
Perceiving something as known
appreciation · praise · kudos · salute · mention · spotlight · highlight · applause · commendation · accolade
invocation
Calling upon higher authority
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
- evocationCalling forth to mind
- incantationSpoken magical formula
ritual · seance · necromancy · channeling · spiritualism · mediumship · spellcasting · divination · spirits · apparition
- clamorscreaming, roaring, hollering, outcry, din
- highlightingemphasizing, stressing, underscoring, accenting, accentuating
- online actionsposting, click, commenting, tap, replying
- signalssignal, signals, signaling, sign, waved
- standing upstanding up, standing ground, speaking truth, fighting back, pushing back
- blamin'fault, guilt, accusing, finger-pointing, scapegoat
calling outkeeping quiet
Remaining silent
looking the other way · turning a blind eye · ignoring · saying nothing · biting one's tongue
calling outpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · applauding · celebrating · lauding · defending
call, out, calling, shouting, yelling, caller, summoning, call-out, outcall