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 Despite the many available opportunities, skilled trades still suffer from stigma. — Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 The gender barrier For Dallas Sutton, a 17-year-old automotive student at Detroit’s Breithaupt Career and Technical Center, the stigma is also gendered. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 Some of those reasons, such as considering suicidal thoughts to be selfish, contribute to stigma. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026 Pritzker deserves credit for speaking candidly about the treatment that has worked for him and helping confront the stigma that still surrounds obesity and its treatment. — Disha Narang, Chicago Tribune, 25 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 original clear stain was later painted a light green, then a dark green, then blue and is now back to green.
    — Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Whitening mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can lift surface stains gradually, though prolonged use may lead to tooth sensitivity.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 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
  • Nacer is quite good at variations of patriarchal obliviousness, and Pebdani suffuses her women with streaks of guilt.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Men brought in from outside are coached to act out romances with her again and again, performing love, regret and guilt while their tears are gathered.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • The shame lies with the governments who ignored the AIDS crisis and the stigma that was around people and the innate prejudice that was in society.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Accordingly, some straight men feel shame about their interest.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • Remove the wings from the refrigerator and blot away any visible moisture with paper towels.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel Act+Acre’s popular flat towel comes with instructions for a specific technique —blot and squeeze, no rubbing.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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