TELL OFF Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

tell off

verb

Definition of tell off

as in to rail (at or against)

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of tell off Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha praised comedian Jerry Seinfeld for telling off an anti-Israel influencer after a New York Knicks game Wednesday. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2026 When Hunt didn’t seem to flinch at the thought, Steadman recalled, Steadman told off the insistent Dixon. — Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025 In a viral TikTok video, a golden retriever gets told off for being annoying—his reaction to being scolded melts hearts across social-media users. — Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 Lombardi had voiced her concerns about the impact of the Blue Angels flying over Seattle in 2023, telling off the squadron in an expletive-laden tirade. — Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC news, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tell off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tell off

Verb

Rifkin also open a bag containing Machado’s black bra and purple T-shirt, both of which were cut up by scissors.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Duke Energy crews are working to cut up the tree and replace the pole, officials said.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of cut up

Verb

Kittens chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult cats may chew out of boredom, stress or habit.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
It was widely reported that team president Masai Ujiri went into Casey’s office after Game 3 to chew out the coach for not preparing his team better to defend James’ memorable game-winner over OG Anunoby, who is now a Knick.

— Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Definition of chew out

Verb

With visceral immediacy, O’Farrell channels the terror of arriving in a strange land, ragged and famished, without family, friends, or funds.

— Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2026
Seven years ago, Lyon ran Barcelona ragged in their first women’s Champions League final, consigning them to a 4-1 defeat.

— Megan Feringa, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Definition of rag

Verb

But their complaints come as Lecornu's government seeks to rein in public spending to appease skittish bond markets, which have punished France more harshly than many of its peers this year, amid a global bond market rout.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Last month, a former Cornell University student identified only as Jane Doe sued seven fraternity brothers and the university, claiming the school failed to protect her and punish the perpetrators.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of punish

Verb

Others criticized Anderson for seemingly scolding fans and trying to tell them where to sit.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Now the older generation is scolding workers for having a different view on interview etiquette without recognizing the cold reality of today’s job market.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

After jawing with Oregon players, the junior linebacker was seen taunting the Oregon sideline and celebrating on his way back to USC’s side of the field.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Towns intervened as Brady was escorted away from Paul, who continued jawing at the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of jaw

Browse Nearby Words

tell (of)

tell off

tell (on)

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Style

“Tell off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tell%20off. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tell off

verb

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