goat 1 of 2

as in victim
a person or thing taking the blame for others an unhappy childhood was the goat he used to rationalize every failure and shortcoming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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go at

2 of 2

phrase

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 goat
Noun
The theory that most caught Lachman’s attention was that Ricken’s innie, Mark’s brother-in-law — is a goat. Adam Davidson, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025 Once the chicken is tender, add the cooked goat, crayfish (or shrimp), smoked trout and Scotch bonnets (or habaneros) to the pot. Vicky Hallett, NPR, 10 Apr. 2025 There are also goats to feed out back (50 cents per serving) and pick-your-own opportunities, beginning with asparagus in May. Ingrid K. Williams, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 Six malnourished adults were found living on a bus towing goats during a long-distance journey while their caregiver was sleeping in a hotel at night, Tennessee police said. Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goat
Noun
  • The family is seeking separate payouts of at least $25,000 from all four companies for each of the three victims, according to the lawsuit, aiming for at least $300,000 in cumulative damages.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
  • My heart aches for those who knew and loved Gabriela, Florinda, and Jeanette, as well as the additional victim, and are now in mourning this Easter weekend.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Immigrants and refugees have become political scapegoats there, spawning a rash of attacks and even murders.
    Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Find another scapegoat to rationalize your assault on the crown jewels of American progress — our colleges and universities that until now have attracted the best and the brightest from our country and all over the world.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ignorance Ignorance is never an excuse for poor governance.
    Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The injury crisis became a convenient excuse for a team already playing quite badly.
    The View from the Lane, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goat. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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