scolded
Gave sharp words
Scolded is the past tense of scold, meaning to rebuke or criticize sharply, especially for a fault or misbehavior.
The word often implies a tone of angry disappointment: She scolded him for leaving the door unlocked.
Scolding suggests a verbal reprimand rather than punishment—more lecture than consequence.
Scolded severely at length
- admonishedWarned or reproved
- upbraidedCriticized sharply, past tense
- chidedMildly rebuked someone
- reproachedBlamed with disappointment
reprimanded · tongue-lashed · lectured · criticized · censured · castigated · lambasted · harangued
Stable and realistic
- punishedPenalized for misbehavior
- disciplinedHaving strict self-control
- correctedFixed what was wrong
- naggedComplained repeatedly at someone
Harshly condemned or criticized
- flayedStripped of skin
- laceratedTorn with irregular edges
- blastedDestroyed or damned
- denouncedPublicly accused or condemned
condemned · reprehended · savaged · eviscerated · pilloried · scorched · roasted
Made disapproving sounds
- tskedClicked tongue reproachfully
- judgedFormed a considered opinion
- disparagedCriticized with contempt
- shamedMade to feel disgrace
berated
Scolded severely at length
- admonishedWarned or reproved
- upbraidedCriticized sharply, past tense
- chidedMildly rebuked someone
reproached · reprimanded · tongue-lashed · lectured · criticized · censured · castigated · lambasted · harangued · rebuked
grounded
Stable and realistic
- punishedPenalized for misbehavior
- disciplinedHaving strict self-control
- correctedFixed what was wrong
excoriated
Harshly condemned or criticized
denounced · condemned · reprehended · savaged · eviscerated · pilloried · scorched · roasted
tut-tutted
Made disapproving sounds
- tskedClicked tongue reproachfully
- judgedFormed a considered opinion
- disparagedCriticized with contempt
- humiliationashamed, abasement, embarrassed, chagrin, mortified
- misbehaviormisbehave, misbehavior, mischief, misconduct, naughty
scoldedpraised
Expressed approval of
complimented · commended · applauded · lauded · congratulated