scapegoats

Definition of scapegoatsnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 scapegoats 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 Fourth, anger and the search for scapegoats. David Blumenthal, STAT, 24 Mar. 2026 In such a situation, scapegoats are needed, and the alien is the ideal one. Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 And while the White House cycled through various scapegoats, prices rose a total of 20 percent, costing families more than $10,000. Jessica Riedl, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2026 Nations without trust in domestic institutions often turn outward in search of scapegoats. Klaus Schwab, Time, 5 Jan. 2026 This time, Nixon was one of several scapegoats for a dismal 22-16 Packers loss. Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scapegoats
Noun
  • The check was requested by a relative after friends and family had not heard from the victims, officials said.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • Jones is also charged with possession of a firearm with prior violent convictions and some of his current felony charges carry enhancements related to using a firearm, as well as causing great bodily injury to one of the victims, the DA's Office said.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Now, with a new head coach, new quarterback and a 12-team College Football Playoff, the excuses for the Nittany Lions to not make it to the postseason are running out.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • Wallstedt made no excuses for the roughest outing of his seven career playoff starts, acknowledging that Colorado, with its hockey version of fast break offense, is a much different challenge than Dallas, which played a more meticulous and patient offensive game.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Over the last week, the San Diego Humane Society has removed 446 cats, 30 dogs and dozens of other animals, including goats, alpacas, pigs, ducks, donkeys, geese and chickens from the property in Julian.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
  • The trail heads east, passing by a few homes, including one with horses, goats and a couple dogs.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scapegoats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoats. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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