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
This rare indigenous breed is Ireland’s only native goat species and shares a genetic link to goats living across the country during the Late Bronze Age. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2026 Options include al pastor, birria (made with braised beef, instead of the traditional goat), marinated chicken, carne asada, carnitas and cajun fish (a seasonal option available during Lent). Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026 Her book also tells the story of a southern Florida childhood – of homemade bike ramps and treehouses, ponds with snapping turtles and a goat named Cordelius. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026 Georgiadou said that 263 cattle have already been culled and another 13,000 sheep, goats and swine will be destroyed. ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goat
Noun
  • The March 2 indictments allege that Brigham used Snapchat and text messages to talk to his victim, at one point receiving a photo of the girl’s genitalia.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
  • In some cases, the department inadvertently released nude photos showing the faces of potential victims as well as names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney says he's being used as a scapegoat for the Los Angeles Fire Department's failure to fully extinguish the earlier blaze.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Sophie really becomes a scapegoat for feelings that are far too scary for Araminta to really sit with.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For others, the change is permanent and becomes a great excuse to go shoe shopping.
    Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026
  • But these justifications also feel like something of an excuse.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goat. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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