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 Having lice doesn’t indicate poor hygiene, despite a long-standing misconception driven by stigma, and lice don’t spread other diseases. — Emily J. C. Wong, Washington Post, 11 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 Courtesy of WorldSkills Is one of the world’s most pernicious social stigmas finally lifting? — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 8 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
  • Price testified that an initial test indicated the stain could be blood, but investigators could not find the swab for further laboratory testing.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • As a result, Barry served six months in prison, and though he was later reelected as mayor, his drug use left an irremediable stain on his reputation and raised larger questions about misgovernance and corruption.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • 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
  • On top of worrying about making great wine, European producers will now have to mitigate against smoke taint, save their grapes from frost, and consider how to future-proof vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of taint
Noun
  • Assane proclaims his innocence, but everything points to his guilt.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Maduro called the allegations false, while his wife, Cilia Flores, also denied guilt.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • The French gêne par procuration delegates discomfort, while the German Fremdschämen means foreign shame.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • While the imposing box set itself is a portable 12-pound film school and an instant status symbol on your shelf, there’s no shame in clicking over for a preview.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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