Synonyms of ostracism

ostracism

noun

1

as in exclusion

treatment that is deliberately exclusionary

Teenagers may act against their better judgement to avoid social ostracism.

Related Words

• exclusion
• banishment
• dismissal
• rejection
• blackball
• rebuff
• snub
• cold shoulder
• repulse
• silent treatment
• kiss-off
• brush-off

Dissimilar Words

• acceptance
• welcome
• embrace
• open arms
• glad hand
• welcome mat

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

• exile
• displacement
• expulsion
• banishment
• deportation
• expatriation
• resettlement
• relocation
• relegation
• ejection
• ouster
• withdrawal
• emigration
• exodus
• migration
• dispossession
• evacuation
• extradition
• retirement
• retreat
• dispersion
• quitting
• departure
• flight
• diaspora
• departing
• exiting
• parting
• scattering
• embarkation
• decampment
• egress
• going
• lighting out
• outgo
• farewell
• relinquishment
• decamping
• leave-taking
• abandonment
• leave
• walking out
• exit
• disembarkation
• transportation
• running away
• embarkment
• forsaking

Dissimilar Words

• return
• immigration
• coming
• repatriation
• approach
• entrance
• ingress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ostracism

The press feasted on Duesberg’s self-portrayal as the victim of ostracism arising from professional jealousies — a target of cancel culture before that was a thing. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

The family struggled with ostracism and loneliness. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

Dissenting opinion brings ostracism, loss of work and grants and friendships. — Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

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