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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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 The goal is to erase the stigma that can be felt at food banks and by those facing food insecurity. — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 If the neighborhood, family and institutions around that young person have not changed, the conditions that made violence attractive remain, and stigma can become a mechanism of re-recruitment. — Charles Wratto, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 Only about 1 in 3 respondents reported feeling no stigma at all. — Sandy Bassin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Risks are higher still for people pushed to the margins by stigma and discrimination. — Michele Decker, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • They’re engineered to be both soft and sturdy with open-cell foam that doesn’t scratch but does whisk away lipstick marks and dried-on Merlot stains.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Recent photos of the inside appear to show puddles and stains from water damage and char marks from fire.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The company has previously harvested grapes that could not be made into wine following wildfire smoke-taint, including from Cates’ own vineyard.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of taint
Noun
  • Through imposing guilt by association and collective punishments, the North Korean state has spent decades attenuating the relationships through which private anger might be converted into collective action.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But the main focus is Sanaa’s relationship with her late father and her guilt over how she may be connected to his crimes.
    — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Any guilt or shame that comes from this evaluation can spill over into what foods are served freely at home and which are restricted.
    — Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Over the decades, Ernaux has examined class shame through close observation of her parents’ lives, accounted for all-consuming romantic obsession, and transcribed fleeting encounters in supermarkets and trains in the Paris suburbs.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • Would not winning a World Series have left a blot on the lives of Cubs fans?
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Liz’s view Anthropic’s IPO prospectus is a perfect ink-blot test.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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