stigma

noun

ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio)
Definition of stigmanext
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne bore the stigma of adultery

Synonyms & Similar 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 stigma The stigma of having an old or unrelated criminal record can lead to being screened out of the hiring process entirely. — Maha Jweied, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 But for Guerrero Vazquez, breaking the stigma and talking with young people about it is key to prevention. — Nicky Zizaza, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 Religious leaders and health professionals will gather to examine how parishes respond to mental health issues and how to best answer Leo’s call to establish mental health ministries to overcome stigma and discrimination. — Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 The stigma of a young girl queuing for condoms, pills or a birth control implant at a crowded local clinic where other patients, or even health workers, could judge her or tell her parents, kept Nhedega away. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • But whiffing like that gave his credibility a permanent stain.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Covers shield upholstery from coffee spills, food stains, pet accidents and everyday messes.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The company has previously harvested grapes that could not be made into wine following wildfire smoke-taint, including from Cates’ own vineyard.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Even though Thiam denied knowledge of it and was cleared of involvement, the taint of the scandal led to his ouster.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As Fielder’s initially firm belief in Holmes’ guilt and manipulative powers appears to waver, Seyfried wonders if Fielder is in some way falling for her.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • She is obsessed with her closet, the organization of which puts even Kim to shame.
    — Jonathan Van Meter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In a May 2023 Instagram post, Allen apologized to Gale for having an affair and acknowledged that his choices brought shame and humiliation to his family.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • Remove the wings from the refrigerator and blot away any visible moisture with paper towels.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel Act+Acre’s popular flat towel comes with instructions for a specific technique —blot and squeeze, no rubbing.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of blot

Browse Nearby Words

stifling
stigma
stigmas
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Cite this Entry

“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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