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 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
-
The unresolved legal process has gripped observers across the United States, resurfacing debates about the death penalty, victims' rights and the responsibilities of prosecutors in high-profile cases.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
According to a letter sent to victims' family members discussing a new plea agreement, cited by the outlet, however, Kohberger is expected to enter a guilty plea on all charges.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Otherwise, what really changes, other than losing another fall guy?—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Overgrazing by livestock such as sheep, camels and goats can also reduce vegetation quality, which can reduce the number of prey available for leopards.—
Indrabati Lahiri,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
There are roughly 113,000 cows and 7,500 goats spread across 480 farms, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, which pegs the industry’s annual economic impact at $5.4 billion.—
Holly Ramer,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
For the artist, every appearance is an excuse to adorn herself with beautiful pieces.—
Jessica Scemama,
Glamour,
6 July 2025
-
National French Fry Day is observed on July 11, and this is a great excuse to try fries in some unexpected and delicious new ways.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
These men proposed sweeping changes to the law, and women, as had already been the case in the popular press, emerged as the scapegoat.—
Peter Zablocki,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 July 2025
-
Donald Trump promised mass deportation, campaigning against undocumented immigrants as a scapegoat for Americans’ economic woes, crime concerns, and more.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whipping boy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whipping%20boy. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share