as in to label
usually disapproving
to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval
a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
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Recent Examples of stigmatize
Fernando Gonzalez, the filmmaker behind Dante, believes psychedelics are becoming less stigmatized as more Americans realize their value as legitimate medication.
—
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 22 Jan. 2026
But the situation in that city has also demonstrated MAGA’s methods for stigmatizing dissent.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Dupes have been around for decades in beauty, but the category saw a shift when TikTok went mainstream in 2020, and opting for dupes became not only less stigmatized by consumers across income levels, but for some, even recognized as a sign of beauty savvy and know-how.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Lesotho is poor, and AIDS is stigmatized.
—Majirata Latela, The Dial, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 22 Jan. 2026
But the situation in that city has also demonstrated MAGA’s methods for stigmatizing dissent.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Dupes have been around for decades in beauty, but the category saw a shift when TikTok went mainstream in 2020, and opting for dupes became not only less stigmatized by consumers across income levels, but for some, even recognized as a sign of beauty savvy and know-how.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Lesotho is poor, and AIDS is stigmatized.
—Majirata Latela, The Dial, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatize
Verb
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Make sure chemicals are labeled for use on the turf species growing in your yard and follow all label warnings and precautions.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, modeled on campaigns against apartheid in South Africa, is growing, as more scholars and institutions label Israel’s system as apartheid, signaling a major shift in global perception and pariah status.—
Ken Barnes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Apple isn't specifying what changes were made—likely a combination of a wider-bandwidth controller, faster NAND flash for lower latency, and platform-level improvements introduced with the M5-series chips—but the company does claim up to two-times-faster SSD performance.—
Brian Westover,
PC Magazine,
9 Mar. 2026
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Paramedics took two people to the hospital with unknown injuries, but police did not specify which vehicles those people were in.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These scenes triggered a mild satanic panic online, with some Christians branding the film demonic.—
Kemi Alemoru,
Glamour,
14 Mar. 2026
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Fears have been growing for the fate of the women after they were branded traitors by state media last week, for failing to sing the national anthem before their opening match of the Asian Cup, which is being held in Australia.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The gift was designated to further advance and highlight essential and high-level glioblastoma research at UC San Diego, in addition to inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contribute to this critical and developing area of medical research.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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The Broncos will formally release Dre Greenlaw once the new league year begins Wednesday afternoon and designate him a post-June 1 release, a source told The Post on Tuesday.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mohammad Pakpour, the most recent IRGC chief, was among those killed during the opening salvo, and it’s believed that Ahmad Vahidi, who had been named deputy chief in December, has taken the reins.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
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Herro had played in nine straight games and was just named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday before being ruled out for Tuesday’s game because of left quad soreness.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Before experimenting with an early variation of Country Joe and the Fish alongside guitarist Barry Melton in the mid-1960s, McDonald started a small magazine called Rag Baby.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Small strokes, for example, can impair blood flow to the brain and trigger what’s called vascular dementia.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Without a letter denoting a political party next to their name on the ballot, independent candidates have historically gotten lost in the mix.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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On an easel, a map of the Middle East, with American flag pins denoting US military positions.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Carollo, who was termed out at the end of last year, has since been replaced as the District 3 commissioner by political newcomer Rolando Escalona, a Carollo critic whose election night watch party took place at the Tower Hotel, which is owned by Fuller and Pinilla.—
Tess Riski
March 3,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2026
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The June primary will pit nine Republican candidates against each other as voters decide who will follow Kevin Stitt, who is termed out.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatize. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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