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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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 good news was that bankruptcy was not causing permanent financial stigma. — Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 There is a stigma around neurological conditions, around disability, around any kind of health condition. — Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 Kahan’s touring success is also fueling his mental health advocacy through the Busyhead Project, his nonprofit focused on expanding access to mental health resources and reducing stigma. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 16 Aug. 2026 The Miami Herald spoke with several shop owners who expressed concern about rising costs but refused to go on the record, many citing the stigma surrounding the religion and misconceptions about practitioners. — Delia Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 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
  • More specifically, 55 percent of ready-to-wear consumers note their frustrations with sweat stains.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The most common culprits for grout stains are spills, cleaning residue, and mold/mildew buildup.
    — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 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
  • Four suspects pleaded guilty, including mastermind David Voss, and Benji admitted guilt and had his case administered through a First Nations restorative justice program, while charges against two were dropped, CityNews notes.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Paxton did not have to admit guilt, but was required to pay $300,000 in restitution and complete community service.
    — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Meizlish told the Washington Examiner that prior attempts to shame countries doing business with Iran, including China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, had fallen flat.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • And that's a shame, because the US could arguably use more cars like this, not fewer.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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