Thesaurus results for SCAPEGOATS

scapegoats

noun

plural of scapegoat

as in victims

a person or thing taking the blame for others companies often use the economy as a scapegoat to avoid taking responsibility for dropping sales

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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 scapegoats This tradition viewed progressive nationalism as using promises of reform and demagogic tirades against scapegoats abroad to distract from their own corruption and irresponsibility. — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 Bad guys vanquished… or at the very least, viable scapegoats neutralized. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026 Refugee groups said military barracks aren’t the right place to house asylum seekers, but cautioned that migrants should not be made scapegoats. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 Sending out the scapegoats in a van advertising unemployed coaches is next-level stuff. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Black folks have been used as scapegoats for the rising government budgets, and anti-Black stereotypes fueled voters to significantly reduce access to affordable healthcare and educational assistance. — Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026 Americans are burned-out, frustrated, and hunting for scapegoats. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 In such a situation, scapegoats are needed, and the alien is the ideal one. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Fourth, anger and the search for scapegoats. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 24 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scapegoats

Noun

The studies with these conclusions have not held up over time and may be victims of publication bias.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
Once a case enters the criminal justice system, control shifts almost entirely to state or federal officials, often leaving victims feeling sidelined.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of victims

Noun

Catch and eliminate personal excuses, justifications, or peer comparisons.

— Brendan Keegan, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
But voters should not reward candidates who hide behind weak excuses when avoiding debates and other unscripted events.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of excuses

Noun

Six goats—with names like Gilligan and MacLovin'—nibble on the leaves of bush honeysuckle and English ivy, clearing some of the invasive plant species that have choked out the native flora that once flourished on the uninhabited island.

— Daliah Singer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
According to a spokesperson with the county's Animal Enforcement Services, 28 pigeons, three goats, two chickens, and one duck were found deceased near Cottonwood Drive at Fargo Place along the South River Trail.

— CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of goats

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scapegoat

scapegoats

scapegrace

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“Scapegoats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoats. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scapegoats

noun

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