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
Ultimately, Levich hopes greater openness, particularly from public figures, will continue to reduce stigma.
—
Sarah Jones, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
When disclosed thoughtfully to patients, a therapist or psychiatrist’s personal experience with psychedelics can deepen empathy, reduce stigma toward people who use drugs, and strengthen trust with participants.
—Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
Overcoming ‘the stigma’ Holtmann was very close to taking a year off in the spring of 2024.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
But decades of studies have found that families in crisis don’t know that help is out there, possess limited capacity to research complex social-safety-net initiatives, and are averse to signing up for benefits, given the stigma.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Sarah Jones, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
When disclosed thoughtfully to patients, a therapist or psychiatrist’s personal experience with psychedelics can deepen empathy, reduce stigma toward people who use drugs, and strengthen trust with participants.
—Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
Overcoming ‘the stigma’ Holtmann was very close to taking a year off in the spring of 2024.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
But decades of studies have found that families in crisis don’t know that help is out there, possess limited capacity to research complex social-safety-net initiatives, and are averse to signing up for benefits, given the stigma.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
Noun
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In addition to countless compartments, the bag also features a moisture-wicking interior lining, stain and water-resistant coating, and sturdy zippers to keep everything inside secure.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2026
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Add shelves, apply stains, paint, and customize it even more to give yourself a unique backyard getaway.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The taint of being part of the cheating 2017 Astros has worn off over the years, and Cubs fans are banging the drum for Bregman’s arrival, excited to have an offensive upgrade from Matt Shaw, who can still learn a lot from playing multiple positions and watching from the bench.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The shame, the guilt and the fear of the other is timeless.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
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The bank admitted fault in 13 out of the 101 cases tracked by the group, with the remaining 88 cases settled without an admission of guilt.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Anger, relief, anxiety, numbness, shame—all of these are normal reactions.—
Cynthia Pong,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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There’s no shame in a living room dance party.—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For ink and permanent marker stains, blot with a solvent like rubbing alcohol or acetone first.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
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If suede gets wet, blot it instantly and use a suede brush and hair dryer to dry it.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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