dressed down 1 of 2

adjective

as in informal

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dressed down

2 of 2

verb

past tense of dress down
as in scolded
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings dressed down for boorish behavior at the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dressed down
Verb
These beautiful styles will take you from day to night, dressed up or dressed down. — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 They can be dressed up with a belt, heels, and a nice top, or dressed down with flip-flops and a tank. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Think of ranch water as a dressed down margarita that's hard to mess up. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026 If someone is dressed up in a space that is dressed down, for instance, there’s humor to it. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026 Rattan, jute, sisal, wood, seagrass, and more are all great options for an organic feel that can be both dressed up or dressed down. — Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026 Zesica Striped Wide-leg Pants Pinstripe trousers are a must-have in my wardrobe for their year-round versatility and ability to elevate any outfit, whether styled for professional settings or dressed down for casual, travel-friendly looks. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dressed down
  1. informal
  2. scolded
  3. everyday
  4. lectured
  5. casual
  6. reprimanded
  7. called down
  8. blamed
Adjective
  • But the series also goes behind the scenes to explore how an informal gathering grew into a big-budget, heavily regulated event.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The alliance grew out of an informal coalition that included organizations tied to Ananas Anam, Bananatex and Regenerate Fashion.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 2026
Definition of informal
Verb
  • Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Well versed in what the lunar surface truly offers, Britt scolded a number of arty accounts of lunar territory promulgated by both NASA and commercial space ventures.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 22 June 2026
Definition of scolded
Adjective
  • In recent seasons, the Phillies have routinely searched for outfield reinforcements without any newcomer really seizing a long-term everyday opportunity.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • So the temples were at the heart of the everyday life of old India.
    — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Definition of everyday
Verb
  • Once, in anthropology class, my professor lectured on an insular island tribe that cackled whenever someone got hurt.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, and has taught and lectured at many academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Definition of lectured
Adjective
  • On casual occasions, this T-shirt dress is an easy way to be presentable—and comfortable.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Plus, the simple silhouette easily transitions from daytime adventures to casual dinners.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of casual
Verb
  • Wimbledon fashion is also something that can get patrons in trouble, with Andy Samberg saying he was reprimanded for wearing black jeans in the Royal Box.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Anne White was famously reprimanded for wearing a skin-tight unitard during her first-round match in June 1985.
    — Afia Asamoah, InStyle, 30 June 2026
Definition of reprimanded
Verb
  • After leaving the field at the end of the third, Fried walked into the tunnel leading to the visitors’ clubhouse, flanked by pitching coach Matt Blake, who immediately called down to the bullpen to have Paul Blackburn warm up.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Even the New York State Police had been called down to join, and were standing around in their purple ties and Dudley Do-Right hats.
    — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of called down
Verb
  • The total does not include other deaths blamed on the heat since late June.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Autopsies and other investigations will be needed before the deaths are officially blamed on the heat, Washington said.
    — Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of blamed

Browse Nearby Words

dressed
dressed down
dressed up
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Cite this Entry

“Dressed down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dressed%20down. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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