as in labeling
usually disapproving
to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval
a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
Related Words
Relevance
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 stigmatizing
There’ll be bits of the media, the right-wing press, for instance, who will have already put in some hard work stigmatizing asylum seekers or other groups of immigrants.
—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
Many nurses reported hearing their colleagues using stigmatizing language and dismissive behaviors.
—
Karli Swenson,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
Anthropic sued, claiming the Pentagon is illegally retaliating by stigmatizing the company with a designation meant to protect against sabotage of national security systems by foreign adversaries.
—
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Using it as a vehicle for panic about the World Cup risks both stigmatizing affected populations and distracting attention from the practical preparedness measures that actually keep people safe.
—
Krutika Kuppalli,
STAT,
28 May 2026
The changes aim to eliminate what officials described as stigmatizing language and reflect advances in preventative care.
—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Framing medical treatment as a failure of willpower ignores the science — potentially delaying and stigmatizing life-saving interventions.
—
Jia Shen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
But the situation in that city has also demonstrated MAGA’s methods for stigmatizing dissent.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
Those gender-specific displays can feel intimidating or stigmatizing to some men, Horvath said.
—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
Many nurses reported hearing their colleagues using stigmatizing language and dismissive behaviors.
—
Karli Swenson,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
Anthropic sued, claiming the Pentagon is illegally retaliating by stigmatizing the company with a designation meant to protect against sabotage of national security systems by foreign adversaries.
—
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Using it as a vehicle for panic about the World Cup risks both stigmatizing affected populations and distracting attention from the practical preparedness measures that actually keep people safe.
—
Krutika Kuppalli,
STAT,
28 May 2026
The changes aim to eliminate what officials described as stigmatizing language and reflect advances in preventative care.
—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Framing medical treatment as a failure of willpower ignores the science — potentially delaying and stigmatizing life-saving interventions.
—
Jia Shen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
But the situation in that city has also demonstrated MAGA’s methods for stigmatizing dissent.
—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
Those gender-specific displays can feel intimidating or stigmatizing to some men, Horvath said.
—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatizing
Verb
-
Save yourself the guessing game of wondering what is in your fridge by labeling and dating your leftovers.
-
Beta 3 also added a Quick Panel icon for Summarise Notifications, with Samsung explicitly labelling the summaries as AI-generated, a small but telling sign that shows how Samsung is managing AI transparency with its users.
Verb
-
However, Polestar will continue supporting US drivers of its EVs without specifying for how long.
-
On June 11, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement specifying that Mexican authorities had not contacted them about the tip or the search efforts, but saying the investigation was still ongoing.
Verb
-
Founded by Steven Grasse, the branding entrepreneur behind Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry, and several other drink brands, the distillery has earned a cult following for releases that blur the line between spirits, storytelling, and experimentation.
-
But there’s nuance that is often missed when simply branding this as an anti-tax region.
Verb
-
If tension rises around roles, keep the spotlight moving by naming strengths out loud.
-
Many have floated the idea of giving him the Nobel Peace Prize, naming airports after him, and making his birthday a federal holiday.
Verb
-
The five-member governing body is guaranteed at least one new face, with four candidates vying for the open 4th District seat now that Doug Chaffee will be terming out at the end of the year.
-
With Vice Mayor Pam Foley terming out, five individuals are vying for her District 9 seat, which encompasses a southwestern portion in San Jose, including the Cambrian Park neighborhood.
Verb
-
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
-
Draft an application for a class, outline a travel budget, or research a path that has been calling to you.
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatizing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
