variants
or stigmata
as in stains
a mark of guilt or disgrace
in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne bore the stigma of adultery
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Recent Examples of stigmas
There’s still much to discover about the biology underlying these distinctions, but research suggests that hormonal fluctuations throughout life, differences in upper airway anatomy, and even social stigmas about how women should sleep are likely at play.
—
Katie Camero, SELF, 16 Apr. 2026
On April 9, 1987, Princess Diana made history and broke stigmas by shaking hands with a man diagnosed with HIV without wearing gloves.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
The female stigmas and the male pollen of seagrasses use the flow and viscosity of water to their advantage.
—David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
The organization helps empower students to lobby college administrators for their needs, including expanding mental health services and improving messages to counter the lasting stigmas of seeking help.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Furthermore, and as part of its IWD initiatives, the Alo Foundation is supporting The Mental Health Coalition to reach millions of women with accessible and proven mental health resources alongside educational content to help reduce mental stigmas.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
Wight says that this process can be done using a small Q-tip to transfer pollen from the anthers to the stigmas.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
Many japonica camellias, in the manner of other botanical hybrids, are sterile with their yellow, thread-like stamens and stigmas either absent or invisible.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Shame and those social stigmas are the enemies of progress to solutions and ultimately a cure.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Katie Camero, SELF, 16 Apr. 2026
On April 9, 1987, Princess Diana made history and broke stigmas by shaking hands with a man diagnosed with HIV without wearing gloves.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
The female stigmas and the male pollen of seagrasses use the flow and viscosity of water to their advantage.
—David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
The organization helps empower students to lobby college administrators for their needs, including expanding mental health services and improving messages to counter the lasting stigmas of seeking help.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Furthermore, and as part of its IWD initiatives, the Alo Foundation is supporting The Mental Health Coalition to reach millions of women with accessible and proven mental health resources alongside educational content to help reduce mental stigmas.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
Wight says that this process can be done using a small Q-tip to transfer pollen from the anthers to the stigmas.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
Many japonica camellias, in the manner of other botanical hybrids, are sterile with their yellow, thread-like stamens and stigmas either absent or invisible.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Shame and those social stigmas are the enemies of progress to solutions and ultimately a cure.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmas
Noun
-
For the frame, wipe any stains with cold water.—
Maya Ibbitson,
Architectural Digest,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Stains Shaving cream can also be an effective tool for spot-cleaning stains.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The songs spread outward from Morris’ small voice like paper towel blots.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigmas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmas. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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