as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne bore the stigma of adultery
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Recent Examples of stigma
Researchers say a major goal is also to reduce the stigma around psychedelics by studying both their risks and their potential benefits.
—
Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
But most of these commercials air quietly, like in New York’s campaign to fight addiction stigma, without big names like Svedka or during costly Super Bowl time.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
However, major medical associations have condemned these practices, noting they are not supported by evidence and contribute to discrimination and stigma.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
There still is a stigma against YouTube.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
But most of these commercials air quietly, like in New York’s campaign to fight addiction stigma, without big names like Svedka or during costly Super Bowl time.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
However, major medical associations have condemned these practices, noting they are not supported by evidence and contribute to discrimination and stigma.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
There still is a stigma against YouTube.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
Noun
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Peel-and-stick tiles are also more susceptible to surface damage (such as scratches and stains), so consider this when choosing where to install them.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
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Emily Brontë’s novel is a book that stains — its emotions seep through generations, its hatreds metastasize, its love transforms into something unholy and permanent.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 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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Much of it is guilt by association — on the grounds, if nothing else, that elites should have known better than to associate with such a man.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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The files are not findings of guilt, and some critics have raised concerns about releasing confidential and uncorroborated material concerning those who have not been charged with a crime.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Pair it with their signature warm nuts drenched in Tap Roots’ homemade spicy maple syrup, which is destined to put the hot honey craze to shame once word gets out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
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With the Presidents Day Weekend sales ushering in an abundance of deals on some of Amazon’s best loungewear sets, now’s the time to stock up on easy two-piece outfits that’ll put your current favorites to shame.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Vacuum and blot up any excess liquid or debris, then apply your cleanser or solvent.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
30 Jan. 2026
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If using a buildable tint, blot, then reapply a thin second layer.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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