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 Teen-pregnancy rates have dropped dramatically, women have far more educational and professional opportunities, and social norms that stigmatized childlessness have loosened. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 The night, centered on the foundation’s ongoing push to fund a cure and support those stigmatized by their HIV status, didn’t end on that solemn note. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 Sep. 2026 They didn’t get killed, these women, but their souls were hurt and they were stigmatized and traumatized for life. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 Each is compensating, in its own way, for advertising channels the cannabis industry still can't use, and for trust that, in a young and still-stigmatized market, has to be built face to face. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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
  • Many tests for emerging drugs are labeled for forensic use only, and clinical tests for living patients require approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a diagnostic tool.
    — Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, Time, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Records label and making its live performance debut on New Year’s Day 1982.
    — Gary Graff, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of label
Verb
  • Idaho law does not specify which direction folks walking on the shoulder must face — or which side of the road they’re supposed to be on.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Although Breslin’s proposal doesn’t specify the multi-family units as apartments rather than for-purchase condos, the building design is consistent with modern apartment buildings.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Morant is a man who knows a thing or two about branding as well.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Even Bryn Mooser, the cofounder of Asteria—a company that brands itself as Hollywood’s ethical AI studio—is with them.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of brand
Verb
  • The United States designates both critical minerals and critical materials, and there is some crossover between them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Sotheby’s announced Thursday that the works, recently designated French national treasures, had been withdrawn following discussions between the Schlumberger family and the city of Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne’s hometown.
    — Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of designate
Verb
  • Their race started off heated again in 2026, with the campaigns trading claims over Bradley’s position on the legislation named for the Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on Charlotte’s light rail in 2025.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
  • DeMarco was named coach of the Liberty in December, after the franchise chose not to renew former coach Sandy Brondello‘s contract for the 2026 season.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of name
Verb
  • Allen drained it to extend Charlotte’s lead to 20, and then found Dennis Schröder for a high-five as Miami called a timeout.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • The title obviously denotes your look onstage rocking the tejana.
    — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The downtrend channel that took hold in December 2024 has come into secular support from the monthly cloud model, denoted by the shading on the chart.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of denote
Verb
  • Now, Newsom is termed out of the governor’s mansion early next year and is reportedly laying the groundwork for a presidential run in 2028, where his track record on homelessness will almost inevitably come up on the campaign trail.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Quantum particles carrying information that could determine their behavior is termed hidden variables, since this information might not be accessible for scientists to observe it.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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