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 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 There’s also Hank (Stephen Rider) and Veronica Grogan (Amanda Christine), a single Black father and his daughter, who work at the town’s movie theater and become scapegoats in the disappearance of some of the town’s kids. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scapegoats
Noun
  • One of the victims, a 36-year-old man, suffered multiple gunshots to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene.
    William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The three other victims were taken to the hospital by private vehicle and later released, according to authorities.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But the Padres sale demonstrates that despite the excuses and gaslighting, the fastest way MLB owners could increase their franchise values is by spending money on players.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
  • No more making excuses to look at your phone and ignore others.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As part of the Great Exchange, which spanned from 1492 to 1640, Europeans brought over cows, sheep, and goats.
    Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The Eagle city code covering animal husbandry does not regulate the number or type of livestock on properties so long as the animals are not being kept for profit, such as by keeping goats for selling cheese.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scapegoats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoats. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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