17+ Synonyms for Scold & Similar Words
Definition of scold
- noun
- someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
- verb
- censure severely or angrily; "The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car"; "The deputy ragged the Prime Minister"; "The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup"
- show one's unhappiness or critical attitude; "He scolded about anything that he thought was wrong"; "We grumbled about the increased work load"
17 synonyms found
Writing tips for "scold"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like berate, check, chide can replace "scold" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 17 alternatives available, "scold" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Scold" in song lyrics
See how scold is used in real songs:
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"Don't want to enter fire because I know it's going to scold"
The Brothahood — Friend or Foe -
"Behold, better move so scold"
Flesh-N-Bone f/ BG Knoccout, Demun Elliot — Silent Night -
"P hold ya doja, hot bullet scold"
Kane & Abel f/ Full Blooded, Soulja Slim — 'Bout That Combat
Frequently asked questions
- What are synonyms for scold?
- Synonyms for scold include: berate, check, chide, grouch, grumble, jaw, lambaste, lecture, nag, nagger, and 7 more.
- How many synonyms does scold have?
- Scold has 17 synonyms.