The word comminating means to threaten or denounce with strong language. Synonyms for this word include admonishing, castigating, censuring, rebuking, reprimanding, reproaching, and scolding. All of these words convey a sense of disapproval and warning, but differ slightly in their tone and intensity. Admonishing can be more gentle and with an aim to advise while censuring implies a harsher judgment. Rebuking and reprimanding are more formal in their tone while reproaching carries a sense of disappointment. Scolding is usually used to describe a stern rebuke to a child. Regardless of which synonym is used, they all convey a sense of making clear the seriousness of a situation and demanding a change in behavior.