as in criticizing
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 pillorying
Verb
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In a post-draft interview on the Bills’ flagship radio station WGR 550-AM, Beane lashed out at the hosts for criticizing his lack of attention to wide receiver throughout the offseason.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025 -
Delhi has been consistently prioritizing cold interests over all else—engaging with the junta in Myanmar, refraining from openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, engaging both Iran and Israel, and getting closer toward recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government.—
Happymon Jacob,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And Bina remains as stridently anti-Joanne as ever, banning her from the Roklovs’ weekly Shabbat dinner and blaming her when Noah is passed over for the promotion.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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Hawley's bill came amid heated inter-party disagreements over long-term spending priorities, with each party blaming the other for the growing risk to essential services.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Like an impatient parent scolding their toddler, Frankenstein grows frustrated with his monster’s limited capacity for speech.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
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Rodgers stayed down for a moment before getting to his feet and giving a quick two-handed push to Jones’ chest while scolding him.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By the mid-1920s, political violence had ebbed, as pro-republican political leaders got a handle on the country’s dire economic condition and joined hands in condemning acts of violence.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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Investigative news site Mediapart, which first broke the news of links between the funding of Sarkozy’s presidential election campaign and Gaddafi, put up a special edition pushing back on political support for Sarkozy as well as coverage in right-leaning outlets condemning his treatment.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In neighboring Uganda, protests inspired by demonstrations in Kenya took place last year, organized by young people denouncing government corruption.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
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However, the 28-year-old artist took to Instagram denouncing the fraudulent claim.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pillorying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pillorying. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
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