Synonyms of pillory

pillory

verb

as in to blame

to subject (someone) to harsh public criticism

The press pilloried the judge for her decision.

Related Words

• blame
• criticize
• scold
• condemn
• denounce
• crucify
• berate
• slam
• excoriate
• upbraid
• lash
• flay
• gibbet
• fault
• castigate
• censure
• keelhaul
• lambaste
• attack
• pan
• knock
• blast
• hammer
• assail
• slag
• skewer
• clobber
• reprehend
• slash
• dis
• dispraise
• complain
• tweak
• cavil
• chide
• beef
• admonish
• bitch
• nick (at)
• deride
• snipe (at)
• kick
• mutter
• whine
• decry
• reprimand
• carp
• gripe
• belittle
• moan
• rebuke
• grouse
• crab
• reproach
• murmur
• disparage
• bellyache
• grumble
• quibble
• reprove
• kvetch
• drub
• growl
• bad-mouth
• croak
• niggle
• put down
• fuss
• discommend

Dissimilar Words

• approve
• endorse
• sanction
• recommend
• commend
• praise
• laud
• extol

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pillory

At the time, this movie was pilloried by most critics. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026

Monroe was pilloried, in her moment, but she was also allowed by Hollywood to test her talents in a manner that, decades later, actresses known for their physicality still struggle to do. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2026

The franchise’s last movie, 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, was pilloried by critics and fans, though still managed to squeak past the $1 billion mark globally (people wanted to see how the Skywalker Saga story concluded, but were decidedly unimpressed with the result). — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

But those who voted for a non-binding pro-ICE resolution have been pilloried for it. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 18 May 2026

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