stigmatize

Definition of stigmatizenext
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

Related Words

Relevance

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 stigmatize Likely stigmatized within parts of the hardcore scene, Bushmon’s proximity to largely Black alternative bands put their authenticity under suspicion. Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026 The word addict was stigmatizing; better to refer to people who use drugs. Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Our modern Western culture praises thinness and stigmatizes those in larger bodies. Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 For many teens, real care is hard to find, expensive, or stigmatized. Ryan McBain, STAT, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatize
Verb
  • But Beshear, who has carved out a centrist lane before his potential presidential bid, rejected Republican efforts to label the broader party.
    Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Even with that acknowledgment, however, there’s still the truth about the way women leaders must walk a fine line between exercising their power without being labeled as bitchy.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The report didn’t specify the cause of the deaths, but said that the rain triggered landslides and other disasters.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Isar officials did not immediately specify the exact altitude and inclination of the Spectrum rocket’s final orbit.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Haaretz says Netanyahu responded calmly, insisting Israel was prepared and the greater threat lay in the West Bank, while his office now brands the report an ‘absolute lie’ and rejects calls for an inquiry.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • All parties are aware of the momentum behind Rouy and the pitfalls of being branded a hot young thing.
    David Lê, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For those with kids, Family Concierge is designated for families who want the non-Adults-Only extras.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Travelers are also advised to designate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Anna, for her part, names Jude and Naheim; and Jude himself names Anna and Naheim.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • While most of the vandals ripping down automatic license plate readers prefer to go incognito, an Albuquerque character named Jevon Martinez isn’t afraid to show his face.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Polcari and Lucchini emphasized that aerobic fitness reduces sweating and heat suffering, calling high physical fitness nonnegotiable for modern drivers.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • After a 3-2 called third strike with two out to Conine in the ninth was overturned on the ABS review, Zeferjahn retired Otto Lopez on a flyout to right.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In their view, the image separating the letters Π and Ι from Λ, Α, Τ and Ο denoted two separate words.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the past, Reputation has always been denoted by the color black, but during the Eras Tour, Swift famously only wore a black and red bodysuit during the Reputation set of the show.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Escalona was elected District 3 commissioner in December after Joe Carollo termed out.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Earnings at Nike are also termed low quality on Wolfe's screen, with an EQ score of 17.
    Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatize. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster