OBLOQUY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obloquy' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of obloquy are abuse , billingsgate , invective , and vituperation . While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace. // subjected to obloquy and derision

Q: When would 'abuse' be a good substitute for 'obloquy'?

The synonyms abuse and obloquy are sometimes interchangeable, but abuse , the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language. // scathing verbal abuse

Q: In what contexts can 'billingsgate' take the place of 'obloquy'?

While the synonyms billingsgate and obloquy are close in meaning, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse. // directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

Q: Where would 'invective' be a reasonable alternative to 'obloquy'?

The words invective and obloquy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation. // blistering political invective

Q: When can 'vituperation' be used instead of 'obloquy'?

Although the words vituperation and obloquy have much in common, vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse. // a torrent of vituperation

obloquy

noun

ˈä-blə-kwē

Definition of obloquy next

as in abuse

harsh insulting language unable to mount a rational defense of her position, she unleashed a torrent of obloquy on her opponent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shame

the state of having lost the esteem of others although he had beaten the murder rap, the accused murderer was condemned to live out his days in perpetual obloquy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obloquy distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of obloquy are abuse, billingsgate, invective, and vituperation. While all these words mean "vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval," obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace.

subjected to obloquy and derision

When would abuse be a good substitute for obloquy?

The synonyms abuse and obloquy are sometimes interchangeable, but abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language.

scathing verbal abuse

In what contexts can billingsgate take the place of obloquy?

While the synonyms billingsgate and obloquy are close in meaning, billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse.

directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver

Where would invective be a reasonable alternative to obloquy?

The words invective and obloquy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation.

blistering political invective

When can vituperation be used instead of obloquy?

Although the words vituperation and obloquy have much in common, vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse.

a torrent of vituperation

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 obloquy Future problems Paxton’s ability to brush aside opprobrium and obloquy in Texas politics is nearly unrivaled. —

Lauren McGaughy, Dallas News, 18 Sep. 2023 That’s a shame, because the airline’s 11 outside directors are arguably the guiltiest of the guilty parties in the company’s recent fiasco, the most deserving of obloquy. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2023 It’s the guy in front of the bench, though, who’s taking the brunt of the obloquy for the way that whole mess ended. —

Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 July 2021 This kind of bitter obloquy can be found in the editorial pages of many global publications. —

Annabelle Timsit, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2021 The only freedom and independence are in learning to be equally indifferent to both praise and obloquy. —

Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 27 Aug. 2019 Years later, Adams wrote that his decision ‘procured me anxiety, and obloquy …. —

James Hohmann, Washington Post, 8 June 2018 The cross-dressing women were not often the target of obloquy or mockery. —

Longreads, 8 May 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obloquy

Noun

Virginia Lujan of Tempe was taken into custody by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on felony child abuse charges related to her 13-year-old granddaughter’s death, PEOPLE has confirmed.

— Sean Neumann, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
This bill defines providing gender affirming care to persons under 16 as child abuse.

— Trans Formations Project, Them, 24 Jan. 2025