as in labeled
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 stigmatized
For example, research on fashion consumption has shown how wearing a veil, once widely stigmatized in urban and secular settings, gradually became seen as ordinary and even fashionable as more women openly adopted it.
—
Emily Tanner, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
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
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
When snowboarding was first created, mountains banned snowboards from ski lifts because they were stigmatized by association with outcasts and misfits.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
In February, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will begin, forcing Loktev’s journalist-subjects, who have already been stigmatized by the government for doing their jobs, to flee the country altogether—a crisis that registers onscreen with an almost unbearable suspense.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
When we are stigmatized or criminalized simply for being ourselves, the result is profound psychological harm.
—Pamuela A Halliwell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025
None has been stigmatized as too sexy (Anora in 2024) or too teary (CODA in 2021).
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025
Emily Tanner, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026
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
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
When snowboarding was first created, mountains banned snowboards from ski lifts because they were stigmatized by association with outcasts and misfits.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
In February, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will begin, forcing Loktev’s journalist-subjects, who have already been stigmatized by the government for doing their jobs, to flee the country altogether—a crisis that registers onscreen with an almost unbearable suspense.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
When we are stigmatized or criminalized simply for being ourselves, the result is profound psychological harm.
—Pamuela A Halliwell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025
None has been stigmatized as too sexy (Anora in 2024) or too teary (CODA in 2021).
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatized
Verb
-
Wexner’s name and photo were included, though the document included no details about why the individuals were labeled that way.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
King Taco's original location in Los Angeles could soon be labeled a historic-cultural monument after receiving unanimous support from the Cultural Heritage Commission.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Scout was originally branded as an all-electric revival of the SUV of the same name produced by International Harvester from the early 1960s until about 1980.—
Byron Hurd,
The Drive,
18 Feb. 2026
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This gradually pivots the narrative toward the possible culprits in the form of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), an organization in Europe and North America branded a right-wing terrorist group by the FBI.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While no date was specified, Israeli outlet Channel 12 reported that they are slated for Tuesday.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
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However, Paxton’s opinion specified that requirement only applies in cases where an inmate dies on jail property, as opposed to, for example, in a hospital while still in custody.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fresh off last week’s historic Album of the Year Grammy win, Spanish-rapping Bad Bunny brought his singular stamp of joy to Levi’s Stadium during Super Bowl LX, starting in a sugar cane field, in what many termed a cultural game changer.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2026
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Republican and Deputy Clerk Jackie Haney will face off against Democratic Valparaiso City Council Member Barbara Domer for the clerk’s seat that will be vacated by Democrat Jessica Bailey, who has termed out.—
Shelley Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The land and tavern that would become Mohonk were purchased by two Quaker brothers named Albert and Alfred Smiley in 1870.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
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Being named in the Epstein documents does not indicate any wrongdoing.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatized. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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