Synonyms of obloquy

obloquy

noun

ˈä-blə-kwē 

1

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

• abuse
• insult
• vituperation
• criticism
• invective
• scurrility
• fulmination
• billingsgate
• vitriol
• curse
• epithet
• slur
• reprimand
• blackguardism
• imprecation
• malediction
• blasphemy
• castigation
• disparagement
• vilification
• excoriation
• opprobrium
• rebuke
• execration
• aspersion
• chastisement
• reproof
• revilement
• profanity
• belittlement
• polemic
• expletive
• tirade
• swearword
• diatribe
• harangue
• bad-mouthing
• put-down
• broadside

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• acclaim
• applause
• commendation
• congratulations
• compliments
• endearments
• felicitations
• adulation
• flattery
• soft soap
• blarney
• overpraise

2

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

• shame
• disgrace
• odium
• contempt
• ignominy
• humiliation
• opprobrium
• infamy
• disrepute
• reproach
• dishonor
• stigma
• disdain
• discredit
• scandal
• disesteem
• scorn
• disapproval
• taint
• disapprobation
• stain
• abasement
• degradation
• despite
• debasement
• dust
• deprecation
• blot
• disfavor
• slur
• brand
• smirch
• debasing
• shadow
• spot
• humbling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• esteem
• honor
• regard
• admiration
• fear
• estimation
• appreciation
• fame
• glory
• reverence
• awe
• repute
• renown

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

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

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!