as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance
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Recent Examples of dress down
The quilting paired with the corduroy collar and simple button closure makes this an easy jacket to dress up or dress down.
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Carly Totten, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, their two sons dressed down, with one wearing a blue button-down shirt and black pants and the other opting for a white shirt and blue jeans.
—Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024
The air of importance extends to the unofficial dress code guests seem to follow—suits aren't uncommon, nor are slacks or blazers, though they may be dressed down over mini skirts or paired with sneakers.
—Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2024
One of the more memorable moments came in 1988, when Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, Michael Dukakis’ running mate, dressed down Dan Quayle, the GOP nominee running with George H.W. Bush.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dress down 
Carly Totten, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, their two sons dressed down, with one wearing a blue button-down shirt and black pants and the other opting for a white shirt and blue jeans.
—Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024
The air of importance extends to the unofficial dress code guests seem to follow—suits aren't uncommon, nor are slacks or blazers, though they may be dressed down over mini skirts or paired with sneakers.
—Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2024
One of the more memorable moments came in 1988, when Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, Michael Dukakis’ running mate, dressed down Dan Quayle, the GOP nominee running with George H.W. Bush.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dress down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dress down
Verb
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The Senate hauled Live Nation’s president and CFO in for a public scolding.Allison Morrow, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024
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The New York Times reported that Hegseth’s mother had sent him an email scolding him for abusing women.Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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We’re either lectured on the history of our own struggle, or appealed to with dire fearmongering and empty promises while our cries fall on deaf ears.Derrick Johnson, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
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An increasingly jealous Seth Rollins lectured Sami Zayn about teaming with Roman Reigns after both of them worked so hard to end the Bloodline.Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Lawmakers also made calls for the House Ethics Committee to look into the matter and demanded that Higgins be formally reprimanded. 2024 Presidential Election:When is the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance?Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024
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The Democratic chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee reprimanded the heads of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security for failing to appear for an annual hearing.Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The pilot would locate an enemy position and mark it with small smoke bombs; an artillery spotter could then call down a barrage on the marked location.David Hambling, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
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A number of companies are vying to win the business of apartment community companies interested in providing their residents with amenities that might best be called down to earth.Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
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President-elect Donald Trump called for nonintervention in Syria, blaming the escalating situation on former President Barack Obama.Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Dec. 2024
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Erdogan appeared to blame the developments on Assad’s refusal to enter a dialogue with Turkey.Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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There’s also a story line of Harper being chewed out by Petra when Petra finds out how Harper actually got the information necessary to short Pierpoint, i.e., illegally.Nina Li Coomes, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024
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In the following scene, which marks a turning point between Emily and Luke, Emily chews out Luke for pushing a deal that ends up costing their firm $25 million.Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023
Verb
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Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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Many people made public statements in support of Thompson, his family, and the capture of his killer, but others on social media celebrated the demise of a powerful figure in an industry often criticized for its denials of healthcare coverage.Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Dress down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dress%20down. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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