Definition of obloquynext

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

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 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 It’s the guy in front of the bench, though, who’s taking the brunt of the obloquy for the way that whole mess ended. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 July 2021 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obloquy
Noun
  • Johnson works in the mental health field, helping people on their recovery journey from substance abuse, anxiety, alcohol.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
  • In 2019, Colorado lawmakers extended the statute of limitations on failure to report child abuse from 18 months to three years.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • In all these books, animals serve as mirrors, reflecting our personal and societal shortcomings and shame, our hubris, anxiety, and moral failings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • Murray says shame can stop women from getting help.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Adding insult to injury, those temporary wheels are often uninspiring (and sometimes unfamiliar)—brands such as Skoda, Citroen, Peugeot, and Vauxhall.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 June 2026
  • To add nationalistic insult to injury, the head of Wardex isn’t even American.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Scandal and disgrace In 1978, host Argentina was on a brink of elimination.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
  • Voicemails provided in response to a request from the Star-Telegram ranged from callers saying Doolan was anti-American, a disgrace to Wylie, and not smart enough to teach children.
    Maven Navarro June 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Flash forward 92-plus years to Donald Trump’s rally Sunday at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a bleak, lurid festival of racist hate and profane vituperation so vile that even fellow Republicans, who have turned a blind eye to Trump’s character for years, are distancing themselves from the event.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The politicization of the COVID response has only worsened this trend, likely resulting in part from Trump’s vituperation.
    Matt Motta, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Pashinyan had led the movement to oust Moscow’s influence in Armenia; he was now saddled with the odium of losing Karabakh on his watch.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
  • By making such statements with actual malice to the public and also through social media, each of the defendants knew or should have known that their comments would be widely disseminated, exposing Judge Moore to disgrace, ridicule, odium and contempt resulting in compensatory and punitive damages.
    Paul Gattis | [email protected], al, 29 Nov. 2022
Noun
  • Both players have been regular targets for fan criticism over their attitude this term.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • But that market has faced growing criticism for its dependence on mass production and cultural appropriation — and a portion of travelers are responding by spending their money differently.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Trump’s contempt and cruelty toward his enemies has been an important part of his appeal to his Christian base.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
  • Meta’s contempt-of-court filing was not yet available today.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Obloquy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obloquy. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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