1
as in to attack
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
the mayor had hardly been in office for a month before she was being excoriated for problems of very long standing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 excoriate
Longtime colleagues excoriated one another in internal town meetings.
—
Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
At a parliamentary hearing in 2023, MPs asked the former minister of state for development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, a series of excoriating questions about its decision to invest taxpayer money in companies accused of human rights breaches, including the Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Past presidents have met with popes and taken their criticisms on the chin, so to speak, but never has a president excoriated a pope in a public manner.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
In recommending Comey's firing, the Justice Department leadership excoriated Comey for his handling of the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server during her time as secretary of State.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for excoriate
Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
At a parliamentary hearing in 2023, MPs asked the former minister of state for development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, a series of excoriating questions about its decision to invest taxpayer money in companies accused of human rights breaches, including the Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Past presidents have met with popes and taken their criticisms on the chin, so to speak, but never has a president excoriated a pope in a public manner.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
In recommending Comey's firing, the Justice Department leadership excoriated Comey for his handling of the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server during her time as secretary of State.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for excoriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excoriate
Verb
-
In fact, the Sixers will be better equipped to attack this Knicks flaw if Embiid can return at any point in the series.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
7 May 2026
-
In one of the evening’s most striking moments, Raman accused Bass and Pratt of working together to attack her.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
My mother-in-law uses the Boacay Soft and Warm Travel Blanket because the ultra-soft, micro-plush fabric keeps her warm in chilly airplane cabins without irritating her skin.—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
-
Hydrogen sulfide, a gas commonly associated with sewage, can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and in higher concentrations may cause more serious health effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Katie Porter scolded, Tom Steyer channeled Bernie.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
The victim said he was singled out for laughing, scolded, and told to continue reading before being ordered into the hallway.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Wanting to avoid running a red light, the trailer made a right-hand turn on yellow and slammed into a Santa Clarita Transit bus and two vehicles near the intersection of Golden Valley Road, according to the Sheriff’s Department.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
One of these cosmic rays for instance, dubbed the Amaterasu particle (after the Japanese sun goddess) slammed into Earth in 2021 with an energy 40 million times greater than particles slammed together at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
At the awards ceremony closing the Berlinale, some winners used their acceptance speeches to support Palestinians and criticize Israel over its war in Gaza.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
10 May 2026
-
Additionally, Pashinyan has opted to expand Armenia’s partnerships with Western governments, something that has been sharply criticized by Russian officials.—
Mark Temnycky,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Someone stood up and insulted us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
-
Tuttle’s fearless inquisition won’t insult your intelligence, ask your mercy or hogtie your feelings.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excoriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excoriate. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
