goat 1 of 2

Definition of goatnext
as in victim
a person or thing taking the blame for others an unhappy childhood was the goat he used to rationalize every failure and shortcoming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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go at

2 of 2

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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 goat
Noun
The peacefulness of the nature around them helps make the war feel distant — the clouds rolling across the green hills, the bleating of their neighbor's goats at sunset. ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026 Village sounds of chickens and goats were pierced by the distant whine of commercial jets climbing out of Agadir’s international airport. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 This is similar to using grazing goats to reduce the amount of dry brush on hillsides and wild lands. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026 Demonstrators tried to prevent their escape as Lang threw himself and his goat into the truck. Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goat
Noun
  • Both victims were under age 5 at the time of the crime, according to the statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Police say identifying additional victims or witnesses will be critical as the investigation continues.
    Jamie Leary, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My goal is to improve the environment, not scapegoat humanity.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
  • If the war drags on, casualties mount, and gas prices stay high, the need for a familiar scapegoat will grow.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, there’s no excuse — even in hard knocks politics — for attacking someone because of his disability.
    George Skelton, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Rangers have reasons, but no good excuse, for failing to miss the playoffs over the past two seasons.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goat. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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