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
Some cultures may be more accepting and don't feel the need to label neurodivergences, while they may be heavily stigmatized in others.
—
Ayana Archie, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
They’ve been stigmatized as unkempt or unprofessional, banned in schools and workplaces through discriminatory policies that the CROWN Act was created to dismantle.
—Jailynn Tayor, Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
However, characters with mental health conditions were primarily presented in a negative context and often stigmatized or disparaged.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Other concerns are that people may experience side effects from the medications, or that they may be stigmatized by a diagnosis.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
For years, students have been steered toward four-year degrees, while trade careers, especially in manufacturing, have been overlooked or stigmatized.
—Mark Rayfield, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Not only were mothers stigmatized and ridden with guilt for decades over the claims, but meaningful research into the condition was significantly hindered because of the misinformation.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
In this high-stakes climate, failure is not stigmatized — it’s normalized.
—Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
The new term is not only less stigmatized than UFOs, but is general enough to reflect that many of the objects in question are seen not just in the air, but the water.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Ayana Archie, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
They’ve been stigmatized as unkempt or unprofessional, banned in schools and workplaces through discriminatory policies that the CROWN Act was created to dismantle.
—Jailynn Tayor, Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
However, characters with mental health conditions were primarily presented in a negative context and often stigmatized or disparaged.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Other concerns are that people may experience side effects from the medications, or that they may be stigmatized by a diagnosis.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
For years, students have been steered toward four-year degrees, while trade careers, especially in manufacturing, have been overlooked or stigmatized.
—Mark Rayfield, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Not only were mothers stigmatized and ridden with guilt for decades over the claims, but meaningful research into the condition was significantly hindered because of the misinformation.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
In this high-stakes climate, failure is not stigmatized — it’s normalized.
—Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
The new term is not only less stigmatized than UFOs, but is general enough to reflect that many of the objects in question are seen not just in the air, but the water.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatized
Verb
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During those latter conflicts, Cheney defended harsh interrogation techniques that others labeled torture.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Transportation Security Administration agents and close to 13,000 air traffic controllers are among federal workers labeled as essential and have been working with no pay since the start of the shutdown.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In 2017, Universal released a new take on The Mummy, which starred Tom Cruise and was intended to launch a new franchise branded Dark Universe, based on the studio's classic monster titles.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Nov. 2025
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At the center of the dark hall, filled with students in maroon jackets, the UMC insignia branded the pulpit at the center of students’ focus.—
Liam Adams,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The government has still never overtly specified which companies would be involved in the project.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
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The circumstances of the shooting and type of firearm also were not specified in the post.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The media generally termed that action a wildcat strike—meaning a strike without union authorization—but that term wasn’t a perfect fit, since the NBPA was not in opposition.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
31 Oct. 2025
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Denegal, shaking off what was termed a stinger, returned for the following series.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Philippines is no stranger to typhoons and Kalmaegi made landfall as the equivalent of a category 2 hurricane – the 20th named storm to impact the country this year, according to local officials.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Two tipsters had told Carpenter that a man named Don Miller had stolen human remains and burial pieces from Native American graves along with other cultural artifacts from around the world.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatized. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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