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 against using AI for writing appears to be wearing off. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 This initiative led to crucial, culturally sensitive resources for Asian families while breaking down long-standing stigmas surrounding dementia. — Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026 Part of it is that more women are speaking up about hair loss, shrugging off the stigma and reaching out for help. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026 The Philadelphia policy also avoided the problem of stigma, because the mayor never mentioned concerns about health or obesity, Paarlberg said. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 24 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
  • Though stains on clothes can be permanent, the tomatoes' citric acid acts as a cleaning agent, often leaving Buñol’s streets cleaner than before.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Clean your bathtub weekly to prevent soap scum, stains, and hard water buildup.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 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
  • Meta doesn’t have to admit guilt and almost a third of the fine is contingent on competitors adopting similar measures.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe Druckenmiller owning his AI use and receiving the Journal’s blessing heralds a new era of guilt-free mechanized writing.
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • There can be a lot of shame in the discussion if parents are in debt, Kerner said.
    — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Not just shame but gross unfitness for serving in a role at a state university.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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