stigmatize

verb

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

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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 stigmatize 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 The book came out when mental illness was heavily stigmatized; Styron paved the way for authors to write about their own struggles with depression and similar disorders. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatize
  1. label
  2. specify
  3. brand
  4. designate
  5. name
  6. call
  7. denote
  8. term
Verb
  • OpenAI said Monday that its ads are clearly labeled and do not influence ChatGPT's answers.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Now it's been labeled it a tool for domestic terrorism, USA TODAY has learned.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of label
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
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Sometimes brands with a strong identity can shoot for style over substance.
    — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Investors are betting on the operational infrastructure that makes energy, water and risk data visible, not on sustainability branding itself.
    — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of brand
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
Definition of designate
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
Definition of name
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
Definition of call
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
Definition of denote
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
Definition of term

Browse Nearby Words

stigmas
stigmatize
stigmatized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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