as in victims
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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Recent Examples of goats
Even bikes are forbidden on the main drag; the street is reserved for people and, in summer, a twice-daily parade of goats.
—
Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Many of the sanctuary's goats spend the warmer months clearing invasive plants, poison ivy and brush from overgrown areas in Rhode Island and nearby states.
—Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Solis said the leaves are generally utilized in cooking, clothing and animal feed, the latter particularly for goats.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
One wonders if Christ, who stormed the temple shouting that the Lord demands mercy, not sacrifice, freeing lambs and goats meant for ritual slaughter, would cheer bruin thrill killing.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026
Seasonal items such as pumpkins & Christmas trees can be recycled in a curbside green bin or dropped off at a collection site, but why not ask a local farmer or animal sanctuary if their goats, pigs, and other animals might enjoy them?
—Michelle Sund, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
As Joanna has documented in the past, her Christmas tree will serve as food for her goats, who devour the pine tree.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Growth of the American Royal By 1903, the American Royal included not only Hereford, Shorthorn, Galloway and Angus cattle, but also hogs, sheep, goats and horses.
—Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
The man from the city provided goats, yam, fish, palm oil, orogbo, sugar and honey.
—Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Many of the sanctuary's goats spend the warmer months clearing invasive plants, poison ivy and brush from overgrown areas in Rhode Island and nearby states.
—Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Solis said the leaves are generally utilized in cooking, clothing and animal feed, the latter particularly for goats.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
One wonders if Christ, who stormed the temple shouting that the Lord demands mercy, not sacrifice, freeing lambs and goats meant for ritual slaughter, would cheer bruin thrill killing.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026
Seasonal items such as pumpkins & Christmas trees can be recycled in a curbside green bin or dropped off at a collection site, but why not ask a local farmer or animal sanctuary if their goats, pigs, and other animals might enjoy them?
—Michelle Sund, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
As Joanna has documented in the past, her Christmas tree will serve as food for her goats, who devour the pine tree.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Growth of the American Royal By 1903, the American Royal included not only Hereford, Shorthorn, Galloway and Angus cattle, but also hogs, sheep, goats and horses.
—Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
The man from the city provided goats, yam, fish, palm oil, orogbo, sugar and honey.
—Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goats
Noun
-
But the jury in the federal civil lawsuit found that Moore violated Gillispie's rights by hiding evidence that would have helped Gillispie's defense and creating unfair lineup procedures for the victims.—
Laura A. Bischoff,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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The victims were Kato Allen Perez, born in 1992, who was previously known to be deceased; Nikko Lee Perez, who was born in 1996; Mika Alena Perez, who was born in 1995; a second Nikko Lee Perez, who was born in 1997; and Kato Krow Perez, born in 2001.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nations without trust in domestic institutions often turn outward in search of scapegoats.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
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This time, Nixon was one of several scapegoats for a dismal 22-16 Packers loss.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
21 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The excuses have more to do with political expediency and gas lobbying than reality.—
Anshul Gupta,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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There can be no excuses because the general team performance against mid-table Fulham had plenty in common with those that had gone before it.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Or similarly, users pointing out that the Ratliff children, when seated three abreast, resemble the three wise monkeys of see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
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And such behavior is not limited to monkeys.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Goats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goats. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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