as in to blame
to subject (someone) to harsh public criticism
The press pilloried the judge for her decision.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 pillory
Trump, who pilloried several parts of Harris’ record, was referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency in charge of detaining and deporting immigrants who are illegally in the United States.
—
Amy Sherman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 July 2024
Speakers also pilloried Zhao for failing to adequately support the People’s Liberation Army, even though military affairs had been under Deng’s control.
—Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2019
Despite his efforts to steer federal money back home, Manchin’s approval rating took a major hit after passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Republicans pilloried.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
This spring, nearly 50 of his former colleagues and leaders of the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund pilloried Kennedy.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pillory 
Amy Sherman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 July 2024
Speakers also pilloried Zhao for failing to adequately support the People’s Liberation Army, even though military affairs had been under Deng’s control.
—Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2019
Despite his efforts to steer federal money back home, Manchin’s approval rating took a major hit after passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Republicans pilloried.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
This spring, nearly 50 of his former colleagues and leaders of the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund pilloried Kennedy.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pillory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillory
Verb
-
As suggested in the comments, the dryer could be to blame too.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
-
The bird flu and fears of it are being blamed for the price hikes.Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
And just this week, Pritzker openly criticized Welch after the governor said the speaker did nothing to stop more than one of his members from berating and verbally abusing staff experts from the governor’s administration called in to explain the hemp issues to the Democratic Caucus.The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
-
However, many criticized Jones for fighting the aging Miocic and not pivoting to fight Aspinall, a younger and seemingly more dangerous fighter who holds the interim title.Brian Mazique, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
But after one more chuckle, Julia jumps in and scolds her too.Abigail Adams, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025
-
Copied Share Laughter as Putin appears to scold the moderator Keir Simmons Reporting from Moscow Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who is moderating the conference scolded people for asking more than one question, only to be mildly mocked by Putin.NBC News, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Islam condemns all forms of violence and upholds the sanctity of life.Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
-
As unhappy as many Europeans are about the economy and other issues, the vast majority respect democracy’s prerogatives and condemn its detractors.Paul Hockenos, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to pillory
Thesaurus Entries Near pillory
Cite this Entry
“Pillory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillory. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share