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
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Recent Examples of stigma
Professor Terhi Piltonen, an international co-lead from Oulu University and Oulu University Hospital, said researchers were careful to avoid reproductive terminology that could compound stigma in some parts of the world.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
For 170 million women of reproductive age worldwide, the condition long known as PCOS just got a new name — and the change carries real stakes for diagnosis, stigma and care.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Why Cultural Context Shaped the New PMOS Name The renaming team also had to weigh how the new term would translate across countries and cultures, where some reproductive language carries additional stigma or harm.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
Since it was founded in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has provided support and care for the LGBTQ+ community and tackled the stigma standing in the way of ending AIDS.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
For 170 million women of reproductive age worldwide, the condition long known as PCOS just got a new name — and the change carries real stakes for diagnosis, stigma and care.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Why Cultural Context Shaped the New PMOS Name The renaming team also had to weigh how the new term would translate across countries and cultures, where some reproductive language carries additional stigma or harm.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026
Since it was founded in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has provided support and care for the LGBTQ+ community and tackled the stigma standing in the way of ending AIDS.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
Noun
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The debate centers on PFAS, a massive family of chemicals used in everything from food packaging to stain-resistant fabrics and nonstick cookware.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
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The iconic blue peel-off stain for all-day lip color feels like nothing on your lips and is transfer-proof, budge-proof and won't feather into lines.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
The good news is that the gala survived its Bezos taint.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
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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
Noun
-
Johnston plays poor Bear as a quivering mess wracked with guilt that this monster — who used to be his friend — is the result of his own terrible decision-making.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
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Tackling heavy themes, including guilt and sins of the past, writer-director Rian Johnson crafts a rich story that transcends the surface-level reveals of whodunit.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Bryna Laub, editor of Daytime Serial Newsletter, felt the show besmirched the sanctity of soaps and contributed to the broader currents of shame surrounding the genre.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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There’s no shame in the aging game, though.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
There were risks, but he was not considered to have multiple blots on his record.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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Add a few drops of mild detergent to warm water and blot the stain with a microfiber cloth rather than scrubbing it.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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