Whipping posts, also known as whipping stocks, have a dark history and are associated with cruel and inhumane punishment. As such, there are not many synonyms for this term that have positive connotations. However, some alternative terms that refer to similar structures used for punishment include pillories, stocks, and gibbets. These structures were also used to publicly shame and punish criminals, and were often placed in town squares or other highly visible areas. While some may argue that these forms of punishment served as a deterrent for crime, they ultimately perpetuated a culture of violence and fear. Fortunately, they are no longer in use in most modern societies.