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

He was soon being pilloried on several fronts including management decisions that alienated key executives, and a public fight with star Scarlett Johansson. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026

No wonder Izzy gets pilloried so many times just for having the driest sense of humor. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

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

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