whipping boy

Definition of whipping boynext
as in victim
a person or thing taking the blame for others used the government's economic policies as the whipping boy for every bad decision the company made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 whipping boy Yet Hojlund only has to look at Scott McTominay and how Conte revitalised his career in Naples after years of being a United whipping boy by some sections of the fan base. Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 As head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Fauci has become a standard whipping boy for conservatives pushing back against anti-pandemic restrictions, but few politicians have placed him at the center of their outreach to their political base like DeSantis. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2021 When Trump loses, Fox will be a whipping boy. Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 6 Nov. 2020 Once more, Turkey seems to have become a whipping boy for all manner of interests, some of which have little to do with the realities of Turkey itself. Hugh Pope, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2010 See All Example Sentences for whipping boy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whipping boy
Noun
  • Newsom’s office said Thursday that the state is providing assistance to victims, family members and witnesses of the mosque shooting.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • The bodies of two people were found earlier this week, before crews recovered the remains of another six victims on Thursday, May 28, Longview fire chief Brad Hannig said in a press conference later that day.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • In seeking a lighter sentence, Josh’s attorney, Andrew Searle, had portrayed him as a fall guy for his family.
    Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 3 June 2026
  • But if there is going to be a fall guy for what transpired in the conference finals, Atkinson is a candidate.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Officials in late May identified a goat infected with the flesh-eating infection, which is spread via screwworm flies.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 June 2026
  • Firefighters rescued a young goat who became entangled in a steel frame in Thompson on Sunday night.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The two-day festival spans the museum (great excuse to check it out) and the Harold Washington Library Center.
    Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
  • Of course all the business between Patricia and the Boogeyman is just an excuse for Widow’s Bay to stage a corker of a send-up of 1978’s Halloween and slasher movies of its ilk.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Beyond becoming the office scapegoat, AI employees were actually counterproductive in many companies’ mission to increase AI adoption in the workplace.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 May 2026
  • Companies overhired, investors want lower expenses, and executives now have a convenient scapegoat for job cuts.
    Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whipping boy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whipping%20boy. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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