Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun scolding

1 sense of scolding

Sense 1
chiding, scolding, objurgation, tongue-lashing -- (rebuking a person harshly)
       => rebuke, reproof, reproval, reprehension, reprimand -- (an act or expression of criticism and censure; "he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb scold

2 senses of scold

Sense 1
call on the carpet, take to task, rebuke, rag, trounce, reproof, lecture, reprimand, jaw, dress down, call down, scold, chide, berate, bawl out, remonstrate, chew out, chew up, have words, lambaste, lambast -- (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")
       => knock, criticize, criticise, pick apart -- (find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws; "The paper criticized the new movie"; "Don't knock the food--it's free")

Sense 2
grouch, grumble, scold -- (show one's unhappiness or critical attitude; "He scolded about anything that he thought was wrong"; "We grumbled about the increased work load")
       => complain, kick, plain, sound off, quetch, kvetch -- (express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness; "My mother complains all day"; "She has a lot to kick about")