1
as in stabbed
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
let's skewer our marshmallows on these sticks and start toasting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ridiculed
to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter
the satirical comic strip gleefully skewers many of society's sacred cows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 skewered
The American boat skewered the front of the Italian obstruction.
—
Andrew Rice, New York Times, 1 June 2026
So, there was a certain air of eagerness from both roasters and audiences to see the pop star get skewered.
—Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026
Under Healy’s tenure, the Sentinel’s editorial page often skewered lavish taxation and blasted attempts by local leaders to duck accountability.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Fast-forward several months, and there’s been plenty of real-world news to be skewered and roasted.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 19 May 2026
As for the night’s primary target, Hart was skewered relentlessly over the course of the night.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Ann Ralston, a frequent critic of City Hall, skewered the idea.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Based in Chicago, The Onion was founded in the 1980s and for decades has skewered politics and pop culture, including making Jones a frequent target of mocking articles.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Almost as soon as they were revealed, local critics skewered Zumthor’s designs.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Andrew Rice, New York Times, 1 June 2026
So, there was a certain air of eagerness from both roasters and audiences to see the pop star get skewered.
—Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 May 2026
Under Healy’s tenure, the Sentinel’s editorial page often skewered lavish taxation and blasted attempts by local leaders to duck accountability.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Fast-forward several months, and there’s been plenty of real-world news to be skewered and roasted.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 19 May 2026
As for the night’s primary target, Hart was skewered relentlessly over the course of the night.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Ann Ralston, a frequent critic of City Hall, skewered the idea.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Based in Chicago, The Onion was founded in the 1980s and for decades has skewered politics and pop culture, including making Jones a frequent target of mocking articles.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Almost as soon as they were revealed, local critics skewered Zumthor’s designs.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skewered
Verb
-
The affidavit alleges that after Austin touched Anthony and attempted to physically move him, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
-
Some of those include defendants facing serious charges, like Javonte Robinson, who in November allegedly stabbed a man to death in Boston after his charges for possession of a dangerous weapon were dismissed under the protocol in October.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
When Pete Buttigieg floated a 15-member Supreme Court during his 2020 presidential campaign, for example, he was properly ridiculed by institutionalists.—
Washington Post Editorial Board,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
-
In the intervening 26 years, the Jets have been roundly mocked and ridiculed — and, sure, it has often been deserved.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Standard polystyrene shattered or punctured easily under the stress.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
-
Unlike insulin vials, Zepbound vials do not contain preservatives, so they should be punctured only once, not repeatedly, then discarded.—
Jody Dushay,
STAT,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
That unique bitterness is mocked, but revered, in countless social media videos.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback, set to join CBS’ pregame show after announcing his retirement Wednesday, went from Seattle Seahawks superstar to frequently mocked journeyman so quickly that only time will help process the implications in an even-handed manner.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
Four of those shots struck Bils from behind, including one that entered his back, pierced his lung and heart, bounced off his breast bone and lodged back in his heart, according to prosecutors.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
According to the notice, if the toy has been ruptured or pierced, or if sand has escaped the toy, Orb Factory has directed consumers to put on a mask and gloves and use damp cloths to pick up any sand that has leaked out.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
And now, 44 years on, new generations of Villa fans could also cherish the moment when Buendia’s cross was jabbed in from close range by Morgan Rogers for the third, ensuring every Brummie in Istanbul could relax and soak in the game’s final 30 minutes.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The boxers, aged 40 and 42 respectively, threw hopeful knockout punches and barely jabbed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But the bullpen picked him up with five scoreless innings until Bradgley Rodriguez buckled in the 10th inning and Matsui did the same in the 11th.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2026
-
Investments continued to pour in, and the development boom that had taken hold in the ’90s picked right back up again.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Everyone can relate to a character waiting for a phone call, or a text, that feeling of being stuck in a purgatorial gap that won’t end until the other person has made contact.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
Outside the arena, reactions were mixed after Trump waved through his tinted window to the crowds stuck behind the barricades across the street.—
Dan Adler,
Vanity Fair,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skewered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skewered. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
