scapegoats

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 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 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 families of the victims said the pain is still as raw to this day.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Dozens of mourners were seen gathering outside the victims’ homes to offer condolences.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Court papers say Doyle used a different first name while dealing with Matthiesen and continued to invent excuses after the painting had been sold, even falsely claiming the buyer had failed to pay him despite already receiving the money.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
  • Then turn in the most benign of public records requests — access to a calendar, for example — and prepare for weeks of delays and excuses.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Josiah and his brothers are a huge help in caring for the miniature horses, goats, chickens, and turkeys on the farm.
    Libby Smith, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • The project, organized by Port KC, uses goats as an eco-friendly way to clear brush along the riverfront without relying on chemicals, sprays or heavy machinery.
    Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scapegoats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoats. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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