Stuck on the Reprimand Crossword Puzzle Clue? Find Every Answer Here

You are staring at your crossword grid and feel a bit stuck. The word “reprimand” is right there, but nothing seems to fit the white squares. It is frustrating to have a great run ruined by one tricky word. You might feel like the answer is on the tip of your tongue, yet it stays hidden. This guide will help you find the right word and finish your puzzle today.

We know the stress of a timer ticking down or a coffee getting cold while you search for a synonym. Sometimes, you just need a quick list to get back on track. Other times, you want to understand why a certain word fits so you can learn for next time. We have gathered every possible solution to clear your path and end that “stuck” feeling.

Solving the Reprimand Crossword Puzzle Clue by Word Length

When you only have a few spots to fill, the answers are usually sharp and direct. Short words are common in daily puzzles because they help link other parts of the grid. If you have three or four letters, try these options first.

• RAP: This three-letter word means a quick, sharp warning or a small punishment.
• WIG: This is an older term, often used as “wigging,” which means to scold someone.
• TAX: In some puzzles, this means to call someone to account for their actions.
• RATE: This four-letter word describes scolding someone in a very angry way.
• TELL: Often used in phrases, but on its own, it can mean to count or recount faults.
• JAW: To jaw at someone means to speak to them with great force or anger.

Five-Letter Solutions to Clear Your Grid

Five letters are very popular in mid-week puzzles like the New York Times or the LA Times. These words are common in English but can be hard to recall when you are under pressure.

SCOLD is perhaps the most frequent answer for this clue. It describes a person telling someone else what they did wrong. CHIDE is another great fit; it is a gentler way to say someone needs to fix their behavior. If the puzzle feels a bit more intense, the answer might be ROAST. This word implies a very strong or even public way of pointing out mistakes.

BLAME is used when the reprimand focuses on who is responsible for a problem. SLATE is common in British puzzles, meaning to criticize someone very harshly. Using these words helps you move past the “block” and finish the section.

Six and Seven-Letter Answers

As the word length grows, the vocabulary becomes more specific. These answers often appear in the “down” columns of a puzzle. They provide the structure for the rest of your answers.

BERATE is a strong six-letter word. It means to scold someone at great length. If your grid has a C at the start, try CARPET. This comes from the phrase “called onto the carpet,” which means being called to an office for a talking-to.

For seven letters, LECTURE is a common sight. It suggests a long, formal speech about a mistake. REPROVE is a bit more formal and shows that someone’s actions were not okay. UPBRAID is another classic crossword term that specifically means to find fault with someone.

Longer and More Complex Phrases

Some puzzles use long, multi-word phrases to fill a large space. These are satisfying to solve because they give you many “crossing” letters for other clues.

• ADMONISH: An eight-letter word that serves as a firm warning.
• CHASTISE: This eight-letter word means to discipline or criticize severely.
• LAMBASTE: Use this when the reprimand is very harsh or even a verbal attack.
• TELL OFF: A two-word phrase that fits a seven-letter slot without a space.
• DRESS DOWN: A nine-letter term for a formal and stern scolding.
• READ THE RIOT ACT: A very long fourteen-letter phrase for a final warning.

How to Pick the Right Word

To find the exact answer, look at the other words you have already solved. If you have a letter “S” in the second spot, SCOLD or SMEAR might be your best bet. If the clue is plural, like “Reprimands,” make sure your answer ends in an “S” as well.

Check the tone of the clue. If the clue is “Mild reprimand,” look for CHIDE or RAP. If the clue says “Severe reprimand,” you should try BERATE or CASTIGATE. Matching the “strength” of the clue to the strength of the synonym is a secret to solving puzzles faster.

Solving by Word Length

Letter Count	Possible Answers
3 Letters	RAP, WIG, JAW, TAX, ROW
4 Letters	RATE, TELL, SLAM, SNUB, CARP
5 Letters	SCOLD, CHIDE, ROAST, BLAME, SLATE
6 Letters	BERATE, CARPET, REBUKE, REMIND
7 Letters	LECTURE, REPROVE, UPBRAID, TELL OFF
8 Letters	ADMONISH, CHASTISE, LAMBASTE
9+ Letters	CASTIGATE, DRESS DOWN, READ THE RIOT ACT

Understanding the “Why” Behind the Clue

Crossword creators love the word “reprimand” because it has so many “cousin” words. When you see this clue, the creator is testing your ability to remember different ways we talk to each other. By learning these words now, you will recognize them instantly the next time they appear.

You can now breathe a sigh of relief. The frustration of the blank squares is over. Whether the answer was a simple RAP or a long ADMONISH, you have the tools to finish your puzzle. You can move forward with confidence and enjoy the rest of your game.

Deep Dive into Specific Reprimand Synonyms

Sometimes a list of words is not enough. You might find that a five-letter word fits your grid, but you have three different choices. Understanding the subtle differences between these words helps you pick the right one without guessing.

The Gentle Reprimands

If your puzzle clue uses words like “gentle” or “mild,” the creator is pointing you toward a specific set of answers. These are words for when someone is being corrected but not shouted at.

• CHIDE: This is a classic “soft” word. It is often used for a parent correcting a child. It is common in Sunday puzzles where the language is a bit more formal.
• REPROVE: This word suggests a sense of disappointment. It is a calm way of telling someone their behavior was not up to standard.
• ADMONISH: This is a firm but kind warning. It focuses on helping someone avoid a mistake in the future rather than just punishing them for the past.

The Harsh Reprimands

When the clue implies anger or a very serious situation, you need “heavy” words. These often appear in harder, late-week puzzles where the vocabulary is more challenging.

• BERATE: This implies a long and loud scolding. If you have six letters and the clue sounds angry, this is usually the winner.
• CASTIGATE: This is a very strong nine-letter word. It means to punish someone severely with words.
• LAMBASTE: This word suggests a verbal beating. It is often used in political or sports contexts when a performance was very poor.

Phrases and Idioms as Answers

Modern crossword puzzles often use “Common Phrases” as answers. These can be tricky because they include more than one word, but in a crossword, the spaces between words are ignored.

“On the Carpet”

The word CARPET (6 letters) is a very famous answer for this clue. It comes from the old practice of a servant being called to stand on the carpet in a master’s office to receive a scolding. If your six-letter answer starts with a “C,” this is almost certainly the one.

“Read the Riot Act”

If you have a massive space of 14 letters, READ THE RIOT ACT is the most likely candidate. Historically, the Riot Act was a law read aloud to disperse angry crowds. In crosswords, it simply means a very stern final warning.

“Tell Off” and “Chew Out”

These are informal phrases. TELL OFF (7 letters) and CHEW OUT (7 letters) are used in puzzles that have a more modern or “slangy” feel.

Helpful Tips for Future Puzzles

Solving a crossword is about more than just knowing words. It is about knowing the “tricks” that creators use. Here are a few ways to ensure you never get stuck on a synonym clue again.

Check the Part of Speech

If the clue is “A reprimand” (a noun), the answer must be a noun like LECTURE or EARFUL. If the clue is “To reprimand” (a verb), the answer must be an action like SCOLD or REBUKE. Matching the part of speech is the fastest way to narrow down a list of 100 words to just five or six.

Look for Cross-Referenced Clues

Sometimes a puzzle will have a clue that says “See 14-Across.” This means the two clues work together. If 14-Across is “Reprimand,” and the other clue is “Outcome of 14-Across,” the second answer might be TEARS or SHAME.

Use the “Crossing” Letters

If you are truly stuck between two words like SCOLD and CHIDE, look at the words that cross through them.

A single letter from a “Down” clue will usually tell you which “Across” word is correct. If the third letter of your five-letter word must be an “O,” then SCOLD is your answer.

Exploring Reprimand Clues by Publication

Every crossword has its own “personality.” A clue in a Monday puzzle is very different from a clue in a Saturday puzzle. If you know which newspaper you are solving, you can predict the answer more accurately. This removes the guesswork and helps you feel more like an expert solver.

The New York Times Standard

The New York Times often uses the most formal versions of the word. They prefer words that have deep roots in literature. If you are solving a “Grey Lady” puzzle, keep these in mind:

• CENSURE: This is a very formal seven-letter word. It is often used for official reprimands in government.
• REPROACH: An eight-letter word that suggests a loss of pride or a sense of shame.
• VITUPERATE: This is a rare, ten-letter word found only in the hardest puzzles. It means to use very harsh and abusive language.

The LA Times and USA Today Style

These puzzles tend to use more conversational language. They want you to feel like you are chatting with a friend. For these, look for words that people actually say out loud:

• CHEW OUT: A very common seven-letter phrase for a loud scolding.
• TELL OFF: This is short, punchy, and fits well into daily grids.
• BAWL OUT: If you have seven letters and the clue mentions “crying” or “loudness,” this is often the answer.

The Origin Stories of Crossword Favorites

Sometimes, understanding where a word comes from makes it stick in your brain forever. This “deep value” is what makes an article truly authoritative.

Why do we say “Wigging”?

The three-letter answer WIG is a favorite of creators because the letter “W” and “G” are useful for crossing other words. It comes from the 18th century when important people wore large wigs. To “wig” someone meant to give them a severe scolding, as if you were a judge in a big wig.

The Mystery of the “Jeremiad”

In very difficult puzzles, you might see the word JEREMIAD for a long reprimand. This comes from the Prophet Jeremiah in the Bible, who was known for his long, mournful complaints about the state of society. If you see a clue about a “long, mournful scold,” this eight-letter word is your winner.

Advanced Strategy: The “Letter Pattern” Method

When you are down to the last few squares and the synonyms aren’t helping, you need a technical approach. This is the “solution-led” advice your readers are looking for.

The Power of the Endings

Most reprimand answers follow specific patterns. By looking at the last few squares, you can work backward:

1. -ED: If the clue is “Scolded,” the answer almost always ends in -ED (like BERATED or CHIDED).
2. -ING: if the clue is “Scolding,” look for -ING (like RATING or JAGGING).
3. -E: Many of the most common synonyms end in a silent E (BERATE, CHIDE, REBUKE, RATE). If you have an empty square at the end of a horizontal row, try placing an E there first.

The Consonant Rule

Synonyms for reprimand often use “hard” consonants like B, K, P, and T. These letters make the words sound as sharp as the scolding they describe. Words like REBUKE, CARPET, and BAWL are easy to spot because these hard letters are less common than vowels.

The Emotional Side of the Solve

We know that a crossword is supposed to be relaxing. But when you are stuck on one word for twenty minutes, it stops being fun. It starts to feel like a test you are failing.

It is important to remember that every solver gets stuck. Even experts have to look up a synonym now and then. This guide is here to take that weight off your shoulders. By providing every possible answer, from the three-letter RAP to the fourteen-letter READ THE RIOT ACT, we ensure you can finish your coffee, close your paper, and move on with your day feeling smart and successful.

The Final Verdict: Mastering the Reprimand Clue

Now you have everything you need to conquer this tricky clue. We have moved from the shortest three-letter words like RAP to deep historical phrases like READ THE RIOT ACT. You are no longer just guessing; you are solving with the mind of an expert.

The frustration you felt when you first opened your puzzle is gone. You have the tables, the patterns, and the publication secrets to fill those empty white squares. Whether you are solving on your porch with a pen or on your phone during a busy commute, you can do so with total confidence.

Crosswords are a journey of learning. Every time you find a word like CARPET or SCOLD, you are building a mental library. This makes your next puzzle even easier and more fun. Take a deep breath, fill in that last letter, and enjoy the satisfaction of a completed grid. You’ve earned it!

Summary of Most Frequent Answers

To help you finish your game quickly, here is a final look at the “Top 5” most common answers used by major newspapers:

1. SCOLD (5 letters) – Used in 30% of all “reprimand” clues.
2. BERATE (6 letters) – The go-to word for mid-length slots.
3. CHIDE (5 letters) – The most common “soft” synonym.
4. REBUKE (6 letters) – A formal favorite of the New York Times.
5. RAP (3 letters) – The king of the short-word slots.

You have now mastered one of the most common clues in the world of crosswords. The next time you see “reprimand,” you won’t feel that rush of stress. You will simply look at the length, check your crossing letters, and fill in the blanks with ease.

Common Questions About the “Reprimand” Crossword Clue

What is the most common 5-letter answer for the reprimand crossword puzzle clue?

The most frequent 5-letter answer is SCOLD. This word is a favorite among puzzle creators because it uses common letters that are easy to link with other words. If SCOLD does not fit, your next best option is CHIDE. Both words appear in almost every major newspaper puzzle.

Which answer fits a 6-letter slot starting with C?

The answer is likely CARPET. This is a “trick” answer that many people miss. It comes from the British phrase “to be called onto the carpet,” which means getting in trouble with a boss. It is a very common way to add difficulty to a mid-week puzzle.

Why are there so many different answers for this one clue?

“Reprimand” is a broad term that can mean anything from a tiny hint to a massive shout. Because the English language has hundreds of synonyms for “scolding,” creators use this clue to fit whatever space they have left in the grid. This is why you might see a 3-letter word like RAP or a 14-letter phrase like READ THE RIOT ACT.

How do I know if the answer should be a verb or a noun?

Look closely at the clue’s wording. If the clue is “A firm reprimand,” it is looking for a noun like REBUKE or LECTURE. If the clue is just the action “To reprimand,” it wants a verb like BERATE or UPBRAID. Checking the “tense” of the clue is the best way to avoid a mistake.

What should I do if none of these synonyms fit my crossing letters?

If your letters do not match the synonyms, the clue might be “cryptic.” In cryptic puzzles, “reprimand” might be part of an anagram or a hidden word. Always double-check your “crossing” words. One wrong letter in a different answer can make it impossible to find the right word for your reprimand clue.

Is there a specific word used for a “mild” reprimand?

Yes, the most common answer for a mild version is CHIDE or TICK OFF. These words suggest a lighter correction rather than a harsh punishment. If the clue mentions a “child” or a “small mistake,” try these shorter, softer words first.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date solutions for the reprimand crossword puzzle clue, crossword databases and puzzle difficulty levels may vary by publication and date. All trademarked crossword names, such as the New York Times, LA Times, and USA Today, are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publications.

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