Synonyms of scapegoat

scapegoat

noun

ˈskāp-ˌgōt 

as in victim

a person or thing taking the blame for others

companies often use the economy as a scapegoat to avoid taking responsibility for dropping sales

Synonyms & Similar Words

• victim
• excuse
• goat
• fall guy
• whipping boy
• mockery
• monkey
• fool
• butt
• dupe
• laughingstock
• mark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scapegoat

Ultimately, some experts say that until Europe addresses issues like unemployment and stretched public services, migration will continue to be used as a scapegoat for the continent’s socioeconomic woes. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Aug. 2026

The article goes on to report that a large body of research and analysis confirms that AI is frequently used as a convenient public scapegoat to justify corporate restructuring, to hide overhiring from previous years, and to appease Wall Street. — Peter D. Banko, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Beckham became a national scapegoat after that match and was vilified by the British fans and media. — Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

The game was a scapegoat for the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, ground zero of America’s ongoing nightmare. — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026

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