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Recent Examples of whipping boy
When Trump loses, Fox will be a whipping boy.
—
Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 6 Nov. 2020
As head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Fauci has become a standard whipping boy for conservatives pushing back against anti-pandemic restrictions, but few politicians have placed him at the center of their outreach to their political base like DeSantis.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2021
Still, having his excoriating assessments collected between hard covers makes for a powerful indictment, the more so because Boehner’s book vividly captures the growing horror of a bartender’s kid who evolved from a reflexive Democrat to a Reagan Republican to a tea party whipping boy.
—Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2021
The weaponization subcommittee’s foremost target will be the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which during Trump’s presidency became a whipping boy for the right, contradicting the GOP’s claim to champion law and order.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 21 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for whipping boy
Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 6 Nov. 2020
As head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Fauci has become a standard whipping boy for conservatives pushing back against anti-pandemic restrictions, but few politicians have placed him at the center of their outreach to their political base like DeSantis.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2021
Still, having his excoriating assessments collected between hard covers makes for a powerful indictment, the more so because Boehner’s book vividly captures the growing horror of a bartender’s kid who evolved from a reflexive Democrat to a Reagan Republican to a tea party whipping boy.
—Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2021
The weaponization subcommittee’s foremost target will be the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which during Trump’s presidency became a whipping boy for the right, contradicting the GOP’s claim to champion law and order.
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 21 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for whipping boy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whipping boy
Noun
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Democratic members of Congress have objected to the wave of settler violence, arguing that U.S. citizens are falling victim.—
Noah Robertson The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
26 July 2025
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Kaylee was hit by unknown object and Xana ‘fought back’ Though investigators are confident a knife was used to kill all four victims, Goncalves was struck in the face by an unknown object and the extent of her struggle with Kohberger is still unknown, Gilbertson said.—
Jean Casarez,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Noun
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The New Zealand team Auckland City began the Club World Cup as the tournament’s fall guys, losing 10-0 against the German champions Bayern Munich, but by the end of the group stage, the semi-professional outfit earned respect by holding Boca Juniors to a draw.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
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Otherwise, what really changes, other than losing another fall guy?—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
11 May 2025
Noun
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During opening weekend, visitors will be able to see goats and llamas brought by breeders from around Southern California.—
Michael Slaten,
Oc Register,
18 July 2025
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Youth ages 8 to 18 are invited to take part in this workshop, which will provide tips to prepare goats for the Volusia County Fair.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 July 2025
Noun
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With so many advantages, Power 4 programs have no excuses for losing to a team from the MAC.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
29 July 2025
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There’s no excuse with the fatigue or stuff like that.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Even by his standards, Trump’s effort to find a scapegoat was pretty pathetic.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
1 Aug. 2025
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Or will the bloodlust of a town searching for an easy scapegoat beat him to the punch?—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whipping boy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whipping%20boy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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