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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Add to that the long-time stigma over shows with all-female leads, especially in a non-procedural setting, and that would explain why series about 50-year-old female friends have been very rare — a trend that has carried over to the streaming age. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026 Kan finds genuine optimism in the diminishing stigma surrounding dementia, which encourages earlier diagnoses and more open conversations, empowering individuals to live more actively with the condition. — Sue Peschin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 While everyone needs technology of one sort or another, certain people shrink from any stigma associated with it. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 The stigma of unemployment is compounded by the guilt of knowing that your parents had to drain their savings or mortgage their land to pay for the steep fees demanded by colleges and coaching centers. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigma
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. guilt
  4. shame
  5. blot
Noun
  • While the worst issues were discovered at the Sleep Inn, site visits at the Holiday Inn and Fairfield Inn also revealed water stains, humid laundry facilities and signs of pests.
    — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a pet-stain remover under the sink, which, of course, does nothing.
    — Brandon Follick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 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
  • The woman carried guilt over not being there for him and wanted to forgive herself.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Many Spaniards lived or even committed atrocities in the Civil War, suffering a collective guilt, Ruiz Capillas surmises.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • For the countless women who either never bounce back or bounce back slowly, social media can add a layer of shame.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Which is a shame, because these guys were just as talented (if not more talented) than some of the more popular axe-slingers of the 80s.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of shame
Noun
  • Once the stain is gone, blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow the upholstery to air-dry completely.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Seal granite to enhance stain resistance, blot spills immediately, and use coasters, trivets, and mats to prevent damage.
    — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of blot

Browse Nearby Words

stifling
stigma
stigmas
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigma. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stigma

Nglish: Translation of stigma for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma

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