Find Synonyms

scold Synonyms

Another word for scold

Choosing another word for scold depends on context, so the 15 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To rebuke, reprimand, or criticize someone angrily and persistence-driven, especially a child.

Usage Example

"The mother had to rebuke her son for tracking mud across the clean kitchen floor."

Strongest
rebuke
reprimand
chide
berate
tell off
Strong
upbraid
reproach
admonish
lecture
castigate

• noun (Context 2)

A person who constantly nags, criticizes, or finds fault, or historically, a woman who disturbed the public peace by noisy and abusive speech.

Usage Example

"Nobody wanted to invite the neighborhood nag to the community picnic."

Strongest
nag
Strong
shrew
termagant
harpy
virago

Opposites of scold

The opposite of scold shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

praise
commend
compliment
applaud
extol
See all opposites of scold

• Nearby Words

scoffer
scoffingly
scofflaw
scold
scolder
scolding
scoldingly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Scold. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/scold
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