as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne bore the stigma of adultery
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stigma
The stigma of this experience meant that women often didn’t share their experiences.
—
Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Another term for that self-organization is stigmergy (stigma = mark + ergon = work), which emphasizes how working entities leave signs in their environment that influence what their swarm-mates do next.
—New Atlas, 1 May 2026
The role of stigma Social stigma and biases from both healthcare providers and patients themselves can affect whether someone gets tested or seeks treatment for symptoms.
—Casey Pinto, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Lastly, there’s the issue of criminalization, which impacts not just access but patterns of societal stigma toward drugs.
—Jerel Ezell, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Another term for that self-organization is stigmergy (stigma = mark + ergon = work), which emphasizes how working entities leave signs in their environment that influence what their swarm-mates do next.
—New Atlas, 1 May 2026
The role of stigma Social stigma and biases from both healthcare providers and patients themselves can affect whether someone gets tested or seeks treatment for symptoms.
—Casey Pinto, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
Lastly, there’s the issue of criminalization, which impacts not just access but patterns of societal stigma toward drugs.
—Jerel Ezell, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
Noun
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By that time, an EPA panel had determined the type of stain-resistant chemicals used by carpet manufacturers were likely carcinogenic.—
DYLAN JACKSON,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
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Photos showed large, blue stains on the counter and floor, indicating blood had been cleaned from those areas.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Noun
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There’s a purity here, the course free from the taint of bureaucracy governing so much of the academy.—
Peter Wayne Moe,
Longreads,
26 Mar. 2026
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So long-reaching was the taint of that shame, Kentucky’s Bill Spivey died in Costa Rica, a practical exile after he not only was run out of the college game, he was banned from the NBA, too.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The judge also made clear the scope of a preliminary hearing is limited, focused on whether prosecutors can establish probable cause, not determining guilt or innocence, but said the defense still needs sufficient time to prepare given the volume of material.—
Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
The guilt swells and swells while the sweater sits and sits.—
Liana Satenstein,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Traits once seen as stabilizing — empathy, humility, shame — are recast as liabilities in a world that prizes speed, dominance and certainty.—
Sarah DaVanzo,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
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Emotions such as guilt, shame, and jealousy may also reflect underlying concerns, relationships, or values.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Use Soap And Water Tackle any paint left on the carpet or rug by creating a soap and water solution with a few drops of soap, and continuing to blot.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
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Mix a mild detergent with water and gently blot stains with a soft cloth or sponge.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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