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

Related Words

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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 In the City of Brotherly Love, Sirianni is stigmatized by the widespread perception of his limitations as an offensive strategist, and he’s often marginalized as a glorified caretaker of an operation fueled by an elite owner, rock-star GM, brilliant defensive coordinator and talent-rich roster. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026 There’ll be bits of the media, the right-wing press, for instance, who will have already put in some hard work stigmatizing asylum seekers or other groups of immigrants. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 Many nurses reported hearing their colleagues using stigmatizing language and dismissive behaviors. — Karli Swenson, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 As a young adult, it is believed that Rosemary exhibited violent mood swings during a time when mental health was stigmatized. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 1 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
  • Some employees hadn’t completed an accredited food-handler course, food in the reach-in cooler wasn’t marked or labeled, and the inspector noticed gnats and four roaches in the kitchen.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The arrests were made by law enforcement agents wearing jackets labeled HSI, or Homeland Security Investigations, a criminal investigation arm of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
Definition of label
Verb
  • Harry last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after it was announced that the monarch was undergoing treatment for cancer, though the palace never specified the type.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Health officials declined to identify the facilities or to specify reasons, other than saying that the long-term care industry opens facilities and increases or decreases beds based on business factors.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • The development comes after several nonprofit organizations challenged the law on behalf of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which brands itself as a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026
  • For a generation branded the loneliest generation, hiking clubs are becoming more than a workout.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of brand
Verb
  • After the game, a team source not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic that Coulombe had been designated for assignment.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • The ceasefire framework explicitly designates Iran and Oman to negotiate the strategic waterway’s future management, giving Araghchi’s visit to Muscat particular significance.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of designate
Verb
  • He was named co-anchor last year, serving alongside Savannah Guthrie.
    — Tom Winter, NBC news, 17 July 2026
  • There’s one more named Faith after the George Michael song she was conceived to.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
Definition of name
Verb
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
  • The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • The system relies on five microelectrode arrays surgically installed in Thomas’ brain, which machine learning algorithms then interpret brain signals denoting movement with nearly 85 percent accuracy.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
  • As is the case with most of Oleszko’s work, the title is a pun, referring both to this figure’s act of blowing into its instrument as well as a phrase that denotes an overly prideful person.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of denote
Verb
  • The winner will replace Assemblymember Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, who is termed out.
    — Linh Tat, Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The latter are often associated with what might be termed the silovaya ideologiya—a security-state ideology that emphasises a strong state, the primacy of state interests over private interests, great-power status, and strict domestic order.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
Definition of term

Browse Nearby Words

stigmas
stigmatize
stigmatized
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Cite this Entry

“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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