scapegoat

noun

ˈskāp-ˌgōt How to pronounce scapegoat (audio)
Definition of scapegoatnext
as in victim
a person or thing taking the blame for others companies often use the economy as a scapegoat to avoid taking responsibility for dropping sales

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 scapegoat Bad guys vanquished… or at the very least, viable scapegoats neutralized. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026 Refugee groups said military barracks aren’t the right place to house asylum seekers, but cautioned that migrants should not be made scapegoats. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 Another scapegoat will be the secondary, which allowed over 400 passing yards and three second-half touchdowns from Saints second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. — Christian Romo, Freep.com, 14 Sep. 2026 Mbappe is often the scapegoat at Madrid, with his defensive contribution numbers towards the bottom of the rankings across Europe’s big five domestic leagues last season. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scapegoat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scapegoat
  1. victim
  2. excuse
  3. goat
Noun
  • In delivering her victim impact statement, Collins’ mother said their family can’t look at a bathtub without thinking of what happened.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The entry is paired with a suite of portraits of a number of Black men and women wearing MooreWraps, versatile multi-wear garments created by Moore’s sister with proceeds donated to victims of domestic violence and incarceration.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of victim
Noun
  • Scammers can use major security incidents as an excuse to send fake notices or links designed to steal even more information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • More from Taaffe The Dolphins are the youngest team in the league, but Taaffe and quarterback Malik Willis said this week that the Dolphins cannot use that as an excuse.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Before my arrival, the Belâawane’s caravan comprised 200 goats, two dogs to help herd the goats, two chickens for eggs, and three donkeys to transport the chickens, tea kettles, jugs for water, blankets, and other food and camp supplies.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers said the presence of this amphora may mean that sailors took goats with them on their voyages, using their milk to make dairy products.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of goat

Browse Nearby Words

scaped
scapegoat
scapegoats
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Cite this Entry

“Scapegoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoat. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scapegoat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scapegoat

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