as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne bore the stigma of adultery
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stigma
In antiquity, technology was literally demonized, so there was no stigma in positioning oneself against it.
—
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Long waiting lists, affordability issues and stigma often lead to people giving up on seeking help.
—Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
There is a much bigger stigma attached to a DUI offense than a distracted driving ticket.
—Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Instead of needing to overcome the one-time stigma of tiny Gonzaga, Lloyd enjoyed a burnished reputation, having spent so much time with inarguably one of the standard bearers of the sport.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Long waiting lists, affordability issues and stigma often lead to people giving up on seeking help.
—Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
There is a much bigger stigma attached to a DUI offense than a distracted driving ticket.
—Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Instead of needing to overcome the one-time stigma of tiny Gonzaga, Lloyd enjoyed a burnished reputation, having spent so much time with inarguably one of the standard bearers of the sport.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
Noun
-
Clothing marketed as moisture-wicking, waterproof or water-repellant, or stain-resistant is also more likely to contain PFAS.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
15 Apr. 2026
-
For the frame, wipe any stains with cold water.—
Maya Ibbitson,
Architectural Digest,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a purity here, the course free from the taint of bureaucracy governing so much of the academy.—
Peter Wayne Moe,
Longreads,
26 Mar. 2026
-
So long-reaching was the taint of that shame, Kentucky’s Bill Spivey died in Costa Rica, a practical exile after he not only was run out of the college game, he was banned from the NBA, too.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Crafted with better-for-you ingredients, Javvy's Instant Protein Coffee blend and viral Coffee Concentrate deliver guilt-free indulgence, offering craveable flavors without compromise.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Many of these dismissals were a result of the difference between what police need to arrest and what prosecutors need to prove guilt — which is a much higher burden, said DA spokesperson Mike Stolp.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s so much shame around the body.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
That's due to lack of access, shame or embarrassment and just not knowing the symptoms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Spot Clean Stains For sweat stains, urine or spills, blot the area with a clean cloth and a mild cleaning solution.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The broad scenario is one in which Iran is, at best, a minor blot in the rearview mirror as America’s interests move elsewhere.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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