as in labeling
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 stigmatizing
The changes aim to eliminate what officials described as stigmatizing language and reflect advances in preventative care.
—
Eric Henderson, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Framing medical treatment as a failure of willpower ignores the science — potentially delaying and stigmatizing life-saving interventions.
—Jia Shen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
But the situation in that city has also demonstrated MAGA’s methods for stigmatizing dissent.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Those gender-specific displays can feel intimidating or stigmatizing to some men, Horvath said.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
In 2021, the actress and comedian opened up further about her addiction and the importance of de-stigmatizing the topic.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Nov. 2025
But economic eligibility systems are stigmatizing and difficult to navigate, Bailin said.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025
Chiefly, many doctors say the label is largely responsible for stigmatizing hormone therapy and discouraging many women from taking it and doctors from prescribing it.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2025
However, experts say juvenile delinquencies can have serious long-term consequences by disrupting children's education and stigmatizing them.
—Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025
Eric Henderson, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Framing medical treatment as a failure of willpower ignores the science — potentially delaying and stigmatizing life-saving interventions.
—Jia Shen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
But the situation in that city has also demonstrated MAGA’s methods for stigmatizing dissent.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Those gender-specific displays can feel intimidating or stigmatizing to some men, Horvath said.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
In 2021, the actress and comedian opened up further about her addiction and the importance of de-stigmatizing the topic.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Nov. 2025
But economic eligibility systems are stigmatizing and difficult to navigate, Bailin said.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025
Chiefly, many doctors say the label is largely responsible for stigmatizing hormone therapy and discouraging many women from taking it and doctors from prescribing it.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2025
However, experts say juvenile delinquencies can have serious long-term consequences by disrupting children's education and stigmatizing them.
—Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatizing
Verb
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Many on the outside are, within logic and reason, labeling the collection of moves a rebuild.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
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City Attorney Evan Goyke and his neighborhood revitalization and ordinance enforcement team recently slapped one of the city's biggest out-of-state landlords with two lawsuits labeling his properties and business model as a public nuisance.—
Vanessa Swales,
jsonline.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Warsh’s filings list holdings in two funds that are valued at over $50 million, without specifying an upper limit.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
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However, Microsoft’s partner portal website mysteriously said his account had been deactivated, without specifying why.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, experts say What's branding in business is problematic in governance.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
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Although subdivisions with different names within Acres Homes are not unusual, the character and design of the new developments reflect more than branding.—
Ryan Nickerson,
Houston Chronicle,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Warsh declined several times to say what those assets were, naming only the private funds in which they were held.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
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That’s when Moore learned students had voted to honor his heroic actions by naming him prom king.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The district is the poorest the city, and the council race is expected to be one of the most competitive city contests this June, with the current council member, Curren Price, terming out.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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Experts are terming this more of a long-term drought given the longevity but still, a wet spring could change things in a hurry.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Like our president, this is calling for me.—
Jack Fink
April 12,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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How to track your federal tax refund Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website, the IRS2Go mobile app, or by calling 800-829-1954.—
Bailey Allen,
Cape Cod Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatizing. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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