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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 Dating with a pet — any pet — brings with it obstacles, but our cat stigmas aren’t helping. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The turn away from deep French manicures also had classist and anti-Black undertones—long acrylic nails and intricate designs had a stigma of being unprofessional when worn on women of color. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 9 Sep. 2026 The reality of hunger is compounded by the stigma surrounding food assistance. — Christine Franz, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026 Moving beyond a stigma around discussing marital breakdowns, the content provides a space for the creators to heal, and for their followers to relate and reflect on their own experiences and emotions. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • The latter track takes overt inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette, as Jepsen beckons her love to engage in life’s vices with her, like marring bedsheets with fruit stains and dashing nude through the garden.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Homeowners can check that attic and soffit vents are clear and look for signs of moisture, water stains, mold, or visible frost during winter.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 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
  • Except for making the leap to her obvious guilt, this iteration was the most accurate adaptation.
    — Steve Belanger, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • If a task keeps looping, write it down and let your body rest without guilt.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • But please don’t expect everyone else to hang their heads in shame when looking at the heritage of this nation.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Wright State University student, who was studying neuroscience, struggled with the shame and bullying that came with wearing an ankle monitor, according to his family.
    — Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • Season these ingredients 30 to 60 minutes before cooking, then drain or blot off excess water and proceed as directed on page 196.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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