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stigma

noun

ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio)
Definition of stigmanext
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

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 stigma Notably, while readers shared their experiences, few were willing to be quoted on record, suggesting a stigma surrounding the use of these drugs despite their popularity. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Some say that's because stigma still surrounds mental illness. — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 That’s particularly true among adolescents and young adults – especially young women, who tend to experience less stigma around mental health issues. — Andrew McLean, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026 The turn away from deep French manicures also had classist and anti-Black undertones—long acrylic nails and intricate designs had a stigma of being unprofessional when worn on women of color. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • The pocket-sized UV flashlight can detect what the naked eye can’t, including dry urine stains, bed bugs, scorpions, and more.
    — Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Were the stains considered evidence that he had been ordered not to touch?
    — Elvira Navarro, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • Even though Thiam denied knowledge of it and was cleared of involvement, the taint of the scandal led to his ouster.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • On top of worrying about making great wine, European producers will now have to mitigate against smoke taint, save their grapes from frost, and consider how to future-proof vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • In the ad, Yang unloads on his therapist, played by comedienne Ana Gasteyer, about his guilt over gatekeeping a really fantastic beauty product from the group chat.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Unfortunately, this announcement means The Beast in Me, much like the characters in The Beast in Me, carries a dark guilt at its core.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Its main goal is to name and shame businesses with ties to the settlements.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Spreadsheets existed in 2006, but here they are kept, like everyone’s shame and scruples, firmly out of sight.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • Remove the wings from the refrigerator and blot away any visible moisture with paper towels.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel Act+Acre’s popular flat towel comes with instructions for a specific technique —blot and squeeze, no rubbing.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of blot

Browse Nearby Words

stifling
stigma
stigmas
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Cite this Entry

“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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