upbraiding
Stern verbal correction
Upbraiding is the act of scolding or reproaching someone sharply for a fault or wrongdoing.
The word carries a tone of moral criticism—not just anger, but disappointment: Her upbraiding left him ashamed of his carelessness.
As a present participle, it can modify nouns: an upbraiding tone, upbraiding words.
Express sharp disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
censure · castigation · chastisement · tongue-lashing · dressing-down · berating · scolding · lecture
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
judgment · animadversion · excoriation · lambasting · opprobrium · vituperation · asperity · flak
Fixing of mistakes
- admonitionMild verbal correction
- exhortationUrgent persuasive appeal
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- counselExpert guidance offered
moralizing · sermon · preaching · warning · caution · remonstrance · reproval · instruction
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
reproof · censure · castigation · chastisement · tongue-lashing · dressing-down · berating · scolding · lecture · objurgation
condemnation
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
disparagement · judgment · animadversion · excoriation · lambasting · opprobrium · vituperation · asperity · flak · stricture
correction
Fixing of mistakes
- admonitionMild verbal correction
- exhortationUrgent persuasive appeal
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
counsel · moralizing · sermon · preaching · warning · caution · remonstrance · reproval · instruction · lesson
- reprimandsrebuke, censure, admonition, scolding, reproach
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring
- scoldingscold, scolding, rebuke, berate, nagging
- tiradestirades, tirade, rants, rant, harangues
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, admonishment, admonition, chiding
- beatingsbeating, thrashing, pummeling, pounding, battering
upbraidingpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · praise · lauding · complimenting · applauding
upbraidingencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
comforting · reassuring · soothing · consoling · supporting