as in criticizes
to subject (someone) to harsh public criticism
The press pilloried the judge for her decision.
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillories
Verb
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The author criticizes Kristi Noem’s leadership at the Department of Homeland Security as characterized by incompetence and attention-seeking that prioritized self-promotion over policy substance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026 -
Whatley outlines public safety priorities, criticizes Cooper Beyond the specific proposal, Whatley said public safety would be a central focus of his Senate campaign and potential term in office.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No reasons have been given for the changes of heart, but the Iranian diaspora in Australia blames pressure from Tehran.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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On Tuesday, a drone strike that the M23 blames on Congolese forces killed a French United Nations staffer in the key city of Goma, less than a month after a similar strike killed the rebel group's spokesperson and injured several others.—
OPE ADETAYO,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While some online scolds didn’t like Johnson’s profanity, this has played well in Chicago, a city that has been ravenous for a winning Bears team since the 20th Super Bowl.—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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Or on Bluesky with the joke scolds, or on Mastodon with the Linux hackers, or on Threads with the voice-forward brands?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Nov. 2025
Verb
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White frequently denounces Trump on social media, most recently criticizing the president for his racist social media post aimed at the Obamas.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2026
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In a 2024 reflection on Hurricane Maria, which leveled parts of Puerto Rico and left many without power for months, Bad Bunny denounces the government's role in the chaos that ensued after the Category 4 storm swept through the island.—
Luis Giraldo,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mayor Karen Bass said the city stands strongly against antisemitism and condemns any act of violence against the Jewish community.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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The draft resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, condemns Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Pillories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillories. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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