pillory

verb

Definition of pillorynext
as in to blame
to subject (someone) to harsh public criticism The press pilloried the judge for her decision.

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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 pillory 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 The acerbic toon has aired more than 330 episodes and pilloried scores of subjects and celebrities since its 1997 launch. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 19 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 The prince was himself pilloried for wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party 20 ‌years ago and ​also acknowledged this. — Reuters, NBC news, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pillory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pillory
  1. blame
  2. criticize
  3. scold
  4. condemn
  5. denounce
Verb
  • Many blamed the incident on his government's progressive policies and publicly rallied for new border checks at sea, air and land ports of entry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The site, known as Pecan Island, became available as part of a legal settlement that resolves dozens of lawsuits that blame ExxonMobil for pollution and coastal land loss, the newspaper reports.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of blame
Verb
  • McKenzie hasn’t shied away from criticizing celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Matt Damon who have made money hawking cryptocurrency companies in ads.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The powerful Florida Sheriff’s Association is the latest group to criticize the November ballot measure to roll back property taxes, joining what has been a drumbeat of opposition from law enforcement and first responder organizations.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • Continue reading … VANITY TOUR — Critics scold Anthony Fauci diary entries that reveal fixation on fame, press coverage.
    — , FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of scold
Verb
  • Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, according to Iranian state media.
    — Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • One request from the tenants union was for the city to use the health department’s authority to make emergency repairs to the buildings and refrain from condemning the property.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • Dan Na Ambassagou, a militia group that fights against Fulanis, accusing them of harboring Islamist groups, was once embraced by the government but has now been denounced.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Other South China Sea claimant states use the ruling to justify their own actions—and are sharply denounced by China each time.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of denounce

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“Pillory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillory. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pillory

Nglish: Translation of pillory for Spanish Speakers

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