stern warning
Firm verbal rebuke
A stern warning is a serious, forceful caution delivered with unmistakable gravity.
It signals that consequences will follow if the warning goes unheeded: The judge issued a stern warning about courtroom behavior.
Unlike casual advice, a stern warning carries weight—often from an authority figure to someone on the verge of crossing a line.
- admonitionMild verbal correction
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
threat · ultimatum · lecture · read the riot act · reproach · finger-wagging · harsh · grave · solemn · consequences · discipline · authority · headmaster · judge · gavel · cease · desist · cease and desist
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition
stern warninggreen light
Authorization to proceed
blessing · pat on the back · standing ovation · stamp of approval · thumbs up
stern warningfriendly reminder
stern, sternly, sternness, warning, warn, warns, warned, warnings, forewarn