as in to blame
to subject (someone) to harsh public criticism
The press pilloried the judge for her decision.
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Recent Examples of pillory
Here’s exactly how to do it By Ashley Baker
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Trophy Wives Desperate, real, trad, or mad—housewives have been celebrated, pilloried, and fetishized for ages.
—
Michael Odell, Air Mail, 10 Apr. 2025
She has been pilloried for doing an episode of her first television show, The Sarah Silverman Program, in blackface, and protested by Asian American groups for her use of the aforementioned slur on Conan.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
The first teaser trailer was pilloried online by fans of the game, who were fiercely protective of the property.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Markle’s series has been renewed for a second season by Netflix despite being pilloried by television critics.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pillory
Michael Odell, Air Mail, 10 Apr. 2025
She has been pilloried for doing an episode of her first television show, The Sarah Silverman Program, in blackface, and protested by Asian American groups for her use of the aforementioned slur on Conan.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025
The first teaser trailer was pilloried online by fans of the game, who were fiercely protective of the property.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Markle’s series has been renewed for a second season by Netflix despite being pilloried by television critics.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pillory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillory
Verb
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Since assuming office, Carr has frequently argued that the FCC has a stake in ensuring that local stations maintain community trust, and also that the national networks are to blame for a decline in trust.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
30 July 2025
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Trump has blamed India's high tariffs on imports for the trade deficit.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Rather than opt for a two-year extension of the current lease, which has been criticized by some residents since it was signed in 1997, the Bengals and the county agreed on a new 11-year lease.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
2 Aug. 2025
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The comedian and political commentator has long criticized late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Minutes later, Boone was spotted appearing to scold first-base coach Travis Chapman for Chisholm getting thrown out.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
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But instead of yelling or scolding, Hocker speaks to her daughter gently, and with compassion.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Arab states are now publicly condemning Hamas’ violence and calling for an end to its control of Gaza, a shift from their previous positions.—
Faisal J. Abbas,
semafor.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Multiple Virginia Republicans, including Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned the act of violence and offered their prayers for Vogler and his family.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pillory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillory. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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