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
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
-
Newsom’s office said Thursday that the state is providing assistance to victims, family members and witnesses of the mosque shooting.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
The bodies of two people were found earlier this week, before crews recovered the remains of another six victims on Thursday, May 28, Longview fire chief Brad Hannig said in a press conference later that day.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Mary disrupts Clark’s equilibrium with the Backrooms by refusing to validate his excuses for his behavior, fully calling out his failings, his petty assholery, and his glib, solipsistic lies.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
Williams said Melo keeps making excuses.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
To pay for her medical bills, the family had to sell most of their remaining cattle and goats, a bitter blow after years of drought had already decimated local herds.—
Tommy Trenchard,
NPR,
31 May 2026
-
This can be chickens, goats or sheep.—
Special to The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scapegoats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoats. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
