Synonyms of stigma

stigma

noun

ˈstig-mə 

as in stain

a mark of guilt or disgrace

in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne bore the stigma of adultery

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stain
• taint
• guilt
• shame
• blot
• slur
• smudge
• onus
• disgrace
• brand
• ignominy
• infamy
• odium
• disrepute
• smirch
• spot
• opprobrium
• dishonor
• discredit
• obloquy
• reproach
• sin
• corruption
• black eye
• immorality
• disesteem
• licentiousness
• vice
• iniquity
• depravity
• debauchery
• unscrupulousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• credit
• award
• honor
• purity
• modesty
• chastity
• right
• legitimacy
• integrity
• good
• honesty
• stainlessness
• chasteness
• goodness
• uprightness
• rectitude
• probity
• righteousness
• fame
• glory
• repute
• scrupulousness
• renown
• virtuousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stigma

Add to that the long-time stigma over shows with all-female leads, especially in a non-procedural setting, and that would explain why series about 50-year-old female friends have been very rare — a trend that has carried over to the streaming age. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Kan finds genuine optimism in the diminishing stigma surrounding dementia, which encourages earlier diagnoses and more open conversations, empowering individuals to live more actively with the condition. — Sue Peschin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

While everyone needs technology of one sort or another, certain people shrink from any stigma associated with it. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026

The stigma of unemployment is compounded by the guilt of knowing that your parents had to drain their savings or mortgage their land to pay for the steep fees demanded by colleges and coaching centers. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026