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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

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 The stigma once attached to the Ig Nobel Prizes as spoof awards has over time given way to greater acceptance and appreciation. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 No one should underestimate the mortal significance of medical discreetness; researchers are well aware that many patients risk their own health due to the stigma associated with requiring medical help. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 Simply having charges filed can mean a job loss, losing custody of kids, incarceration for months or years waiting for a trial, financial hardship and stigma. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Akanksha Patel is a psychiatrist who wants to break stigma around mental health problems, her sister said. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • His past misdemeanours will be stains that will never be completely erased, but boxing is a forgiving sport.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • From a functionality perspective, fireclay is non-porous and resists stains, scratches, and everyday wear while maintaining its appearance over time, says Bartel.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 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
  • Many 9/11 first responders alive today feel as Sanchez does, more preoccupied with their survivor’s guilt than their own ailments.
    — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • They are bound together not only by their shared grief, but also by the unspoken guilt and blame that Lux and Ella can only hope to expiate through each other.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • The creativity was not there, which is a shame when Morgan Gibbs-White is on the pitch.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The pain of his inability to speak about the tangle of anger and shame gnawing at him is palpable.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • If especially juicy, lightly blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Once the stain is gone, blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow the upholstery to air-dry completely.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 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 15 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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