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
Planning presumes a set of ideal conditions for childbearing — conditions most accessible to white, economically secure Americans — while stigmatizing and discouraging the reproduction of others.
—
Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
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
Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatizing
Verb
-
Rosenbaum's complicated and deeply layered portrayal of Lex continues to receive praise to this very day, with even DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn labelling him the best Lex of all time.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
13 May 2026
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Hafley praised Johnson, labeling the draft’s 27th pick, a player the Dolphins traded up for, as his favorite cornerback in the draft because of his combination of size, speed, athleticism and footwork.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In 2024, voters approved Proposition 130, requiring that the state direct $350 million to law enforcement, without specifying where the money should come from.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
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The employees asked Döpfner to take a series of measures in response, including adding a disclaimer to all op-eds specifying that the author’s views do not represent those of Politico or staff.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Aside from their pink commonality, the upcoming Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low pack is unified by the use of red Cactus Jack branding on both pairs.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Under the arrangement, IM8 will get branding at Inter Miami’s training center, and its products will be made available to all players and staff.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The naming rights regulations even apply to the host stadiums.—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2026
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However, naming a species is not particularly complicated.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Verb
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With Vice Mayor Pam Foley terming out, five individuals are vying for her District 9 seat, which encompasses a southwestern portion in San Jose, including the Cambrian Park neighborhood.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
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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
Verb
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That’s rich — like the pot calling the kettle black.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
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Porter focused on cutting bureaucracy, calling for a single statewide development permit to streamline approvals and reduce delays.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatizing. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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