1
as in exclusion
treatment that is deliberately exclusionary
Teenagers may act against their better judgement to avoid social ostracism.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in exile
the forced removal from a homeland
His family celebrated his safe return after nearly a decade of political ostracism.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 ostracism
But this ostracism has also been felt more widely across Israeli society, including among the large numbers of Israelis who oppose the war.
—
Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
For partners using the silent treatment, these were the effects:
People with high self-esteem were more likely to use ostracism as a relationship-ending strategy and were also more likely to walk away from partners who used it against them.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
In ancient humans and other primates, reputational damage can bar access to food and mates, incite physical confrontations and, in extreme cases, lead to potentially fatal ostracism.
—Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2025
Bans, booing and ostracism The labeling of Israel as a pariah state internationally does not seem to bother the government.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostracism
Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
For partners using the silent treatment, these were the effects:
People with high self-esteem were more likely to use ostracism as a relationship-ending strategy and were also more likely to walk away from partners who used it against them.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
In ancient humans and other primates, reputational damage can bar access to food and mates, incite physical confrontations and, in extreme cases, lead to potentially fatal ostracism.
—Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2025
Bans, booing and ostracism The labeling of Israel as a pariah state internationally does not seem to bother the government.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostracism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostracism
Noun
-
The accused bring with them the burdens of poverty, addiction, isolation, physical or mental illness, and the relentless stress of exclusion.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
-
But the exclusion can be a difficult concept for insured workers to wrap their heads around, as most employees still contribute a portion of their pay to health coverage.—
Julie Appleby,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Other textures considered, Dulude-De Celles also fashions a film about exile and estrangement and sacrificing one’s identity in pursuit of self-preservation, about what a place can do to people.—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2026
-
And this had been a lesson that Mussolini learned well, abetted by his readings and acquaintances as a young exile in French Savoy during the early twentieth century.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And some say Mercor is causing job displacement, replacing stable full-time careers with gig work that will contribute to AI taking human jobs.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and designed by Omega Architects, the all-aluminum cruiser was distinguished by a fast-displacement hull and a vertical stem (or plumb bow) that notched her multiple prestigious awards and inspired an entire Heesen series of 164-foot fast-cruisers.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Johnson said before the demonstrations that students who participate in the protests will be marked absent from class, but would not be disciplined, such as with suspensions or expulsions.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
30 Jan. 2026
-
On the first offense, a violator would be subject to immediate expulsion from the legislative chamber for the remainder of the day, a fine of not less than $500 but not exceeding $1,000, and referral to the chamber’s ethics committee.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoma Voice,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
So, no, at the moment no sign from the NBA of any Heat relief for the 2027 or ’28 first-round pick due to the Hornets from the trade for Terry Rozier, even in the wake of his banishment in the FBI gambling probe.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
-
But what also helped ensure his banishment was Johnny and Tara’s decision to act as a unit, thus splitting the non-Stephen vote.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ostracism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostracism. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
