as in to blame
to subject (someone) to harsh public criticism
The press pilloried the judge for her decision.
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Recent Examples of pillory
The first teaser trailer was pilloried online by fans of the game, who were fiercely protective of the property.
—
Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Markle’s series has been renewed for a second season by Netflix despite being pilloried by television critics.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
Retirees are either pilloried as a drain on the state while those evading retirement, presidential candidates included, are viewed as out-of-touch geezers who need to make way for the young.
—James Chappel / Made By History, TIME, 3 Jan. 2025
Some economists pilloried Biden at the time, saying the third round of stimulus relief was unnecessary, excessive and likely to overheat the economy.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pillory
Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Markle’s series has been renewed for a second season by Netflix despite being pilloried by television critics.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
Retirees are either pilloried as a drain on the state while those evading retirement, presidential candidates included, are viewed as out-of-touch geezers who need to make way for the young.
—James Chappel / Made By History, TIME, 3 Jan. 2025
Some economists pilloried Biden at the time, saying the third round of stimulus relief was unnecessary, excessive and likely to overheat the economy.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pillory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillory
Verb
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Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump doubled down on his past criticism and blamed Biden for Powell remaining in the role.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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While most of us could only dream of being so effortlessly chic, Parisians have it down pat—so who could blame us for wanting to borrow some of their go-to French fashion styles?—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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President Trump’s Impact President Trump has been vocal in calling for lower rates, and has repeatedly criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell, going as far as to call for his resignation on July 2.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Officials want Indianapolis parents to take responsibility for their children Speaking at a news conference over the weekend, Bailey scolded parents for allowing their children out at night unsupervised.—
Matthew Cupelli,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
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Trump has publicly scolded Massie for his opposition.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2025
Verb
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An outspoken progressive, Ruffalo frequently condemns the Trump administration's raids, which began in June.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
8 July 2025
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More than 600 entrepreneurs and venture capitalists condemned the Sequoia Capital VC’s comments about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pillory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillory. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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