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

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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 Even decades later, the stigma of having children out of wedlock remains. — Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 12 July 2026 The notion of remaining in your childhood home well into your adult years carries an enduring stigma, suggesting a failure to launch. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 11 July 2026 The stigma surrounding romance contradicts its enduring popularity as one of publishing’s most successful genres. — Katelyn Frey, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 How common any sort of voluntary AI disclosure would actually be is unknown, as artists have little incentive to self-report given the stigma around AI music, and those using AI for fraudulent purposes certainly aren’t looking to be transparent. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • And some tree fruits, such as mulberries and cherries, can leave stains on siding, roofs, and decks that are difficult to remove.
    — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
  • Remove Mold Stains From Painted Walls Kill mold spores and lighten moldy stains by spraying the area with undiluted hydrogen peroxide.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • There’s a purity here, the course free from the taint of bureaucracy governing so much of the academy.
    — Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • The jury’s guilt-innocence verdict appears to be an assessment that Royal intentionally or knowingly caused Watkins’ death, but not during a robbery.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
  • What’s surprsing, however, is that the two habits that turn up again and again in the closest, most durable couples suggest the guilt is misplaced.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Old Hyde Park neighborhood Nadja Karpilow, president of the Old Hyde Park Historic District neighborhood association, called the situation a shame.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • The rage, resentment, guilt, shame, disappointment, endurance of it all.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • This will likely go down as the lowest point – the blot on what has been a surprisingly bright summer.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
  • The only blot on an otherwise solid opening week for the World Cup expansion loyalists.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Nglish: Translation of stigma for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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