as in to criticize
to not allow (someone) to be included in a group; to exclude (someone) from a group
She was ostracized by the scientific community for many years because of her radical political beliefs. The other girls ostracized her because of the way she dressed.
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Recent Examples of ostracize
Once ostracized for its saturated‑fat profile, tallow is enjoying a resurgence since the USDA revamped its dietary guidelines in January, emphasizing oils with essential fatty acids yet still leaving space for such fats as butter and beef tallow.
—
David Dickstein, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Though ostracized in their time, people who resisted internment are now seen as civil-rights pioneers.
—Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Miss Manners suspects that you will not be forever ostracized, or subject to any other repercussions.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Most kids strongly desire to fit in and are especially sensitive to being picked on, made fun of, or ostracized.
—Amy Morin, Parents, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ostracize
David Dickstein, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Though ostracized in their time, people who resisted internment are now seen as civil-rights pioneers.
—Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Miss Manners suspects that you will not be forever ostracized, or subject to any other repercussions.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Most kids strongly desire to fit in and are especially sensitive to being picked on, made fun of, or ostracized.
—Amy Morin, Parents, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ostracize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostracize
Verb
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Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
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At the time of the women’s march, Cannes organizers were being criticized for failing to do more to publicly acknowledge the #MeToo and Time’s Up initiatives.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The Sacramento City Council restored funding to a youth violence prevention grant and vowed to keep pools open after residents denounced cutting services to plug a $66 million budget deficit.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
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The president of Beard’s own university, Columbia, denounced him.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, supporters insist their goal is not to attack a student, but to defend women’s sports.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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Both sides accuse the other of intentionally attacking civilian targets.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ostracize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostracize. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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