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

phrase

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
County officials said sheep and goats remove dry vegetation that could fuel wildfires and can reach terrain where machinery is difficult or unsafe to operate, including steep hills, rocky areas and communities near wildlands. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Most infestations involved cattle or sheep, with several dogs and a goat also being listed. Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
Phrase
The offensive line and defensive lines went at it for one-on-ones. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 31 July 2026 So this fight scene was that on steroids, and Colin and I went at it for hours and hours. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for goat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goat
Noun
  • Homecoming aside, there’s still the Trawler to worry about, a fact we’re reminded of when another victim turns up on a playground, this time with a pentagram carved into his back and fish corpses shoved into his wounds.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • After Bateman’s September 2022 arrest, his child victims were placed in protective custody.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Phrase
  • The Broward legislative delegation will have at least two new House members come November.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Each of the three models of succession has at least one example in mainland Europe.
    Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, as Whelan tries to control the situation, he is threatened by blackmail about an affair and later plots to make Slough House a scapegoat for MI5’s failures.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026
  • So Republicans are desperate for something, anything, anyone — a fall guy, a scapegoat — to rant against, whip up the Republican base against, and raise money for their fall campaigns.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, hot summer days, casual weekends, and low-key outings are the perfect excuse to let the girls breathe.
    Julia Guerra, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Save as a collection on MyRecipes Fall brings football tailgates, family dinners, and dozens more excuses to gather.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goat. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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