Phrase guide

have words

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To argue, to have an argument.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To speak sternly, angrily, or in an argumentative manner to.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

censure severely or angrily

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • 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

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: 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, lambaste, lambast

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: knock, criticize, criticise, pick apart

Narrower terms: chastise, castigate, objurgate, chasten, correct, tell off, brush down

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: woorden hebben — to argue
  • Icelandic: rífast — to argue
  • Icelandic: deila við — to argue
  • Italian: fare discussioni — to argue
  • Italian: prendersi a parole — to argue
  • Sicilian: fari discussioni — to argue
  • Sicilian: dìrisi malapalori — to argue
  • Italian: prendere a parole — to speak sternly
  • Italian: sgridare — to speak sternly
  • Italian: rimproverare — to speak sternly
  • Sicilian: diri malapalori — to speak sternly