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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Career penalties for fathers can be applied to hybrid work, where remote work arrangements are often associated with mothers and caring, with stigma leading to lower uptake. — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The approach may be especially useful for children, teenagers and people who worry about the stigma of wearing a medical device. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 Only the stigma, the structure in the center of the flower that collects pollen to send down to the ovary in the base of the flower to form seeds, may remain. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 July 2026 Research consistently shows that the program increases mental health knowledge, reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking. — Geri McGinn Kerger, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • Another criminalist testified earlier in the multi-day probable cause hearing that several Clorox-type wipes covered in brown stains were found in an inner trash bag placed inside the outer bag.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • Removing Stains From Linoleum Floors Linoleum floors can get stains and discoloration from heavy foot traffic, food spills, pets, or heavy furniture that’s been sitting on them for some time.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of taint
Noun
  • Diamond said there’s no doubt the Park Fire was a tragedy for many people, but that the prosecution did not prove her client’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
  • The film is said to follow a repressed philosophy professor who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Even in organizational cultures that embrace mental health, financial strain and its associated shame can remain hidden.
    — Dr. Erika Rasure, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • For generations, many families carried not only unimaginable grief but also shame.
    — Geri McGinn Kerger, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • This will likely go down as the lowest point – the blot on what has been a surprisingly bright summer.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
  • The only blot on an otherwise solid opening week for the World Cup expansion loyalists.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Nglish: Translation of stigma for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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