upbraidings
Stern verbal reprimands
Upbraidings are sharp expressions of disapproval or reproach—instances of scolding or criticism directed at someone for perceived faults or failures.
The word carries a formal or literary tone: She endured her mother's upbraidings in silence.
An upbraiding is more severe than mild criticism but less harsh than condemnation.
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
castigation · berating · scolding · tongue-lashing · lecture · chastisement · dressing-down · telling-off
Mild anger or disapproval
- discontentUnhappiness with circumstances
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
- disfavorLack of approval
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
opprobrium · contempt · derision · deprecation · animadversion · disesteem · frown · objection
Intensity of sternness
- sternnessUncompromising strictness of manner
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- acrimonyBitter ill will
asperity · acerbity · gruffness · strictness · rigor · austerity · vehemence · ferocity
Remorseful state over misdeeds
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- humiliationLoss of dignity
defensiveness · resentment · indignation · apology · remorse · chagrin · mortification · penitence
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
censure · castigation · berating · scolding · tongue-lashing · lecture · chastisement · dressing-down · telling-off · talking-to
displeasure
Mild anger or disapproval
- discontentUnhappiness with circumstances
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
- disfavorLack of approval
disapprobation · opprobrium · contempt · derision · deprecation · animadversion · disesteem · frown · objection · censure
severity
Intensity of sternness
- sternnessUncompromising strictness of manner
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
acrimony · asperity · acerbity · gruffness · strictness · rigor · austerity · vehemence · ferocity · intensity
contrition
Remorseful state over misdeeds
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
humiliation · defensiveness · resentment · indignation · apology · remorse · chagrin · mortification · penitence
upbraidingspraises
Verbally commends
commendations · praise · compliments · accolades · laudations
upbraidingsencouragements
Expressions of support
affirmations · reassurances · validations · endorsements · support
upbraidingsencouragements
Expressions of support
congratulations · thanks · gratitude · appreciations · felicitations