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
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Recent Examples of stigmatizing
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
In 2021, the actress and comedian opened up further about her addiction and the importance of de-stigmatizing the topic.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Nov. 2025
But economic eligibility systems are stigmatizing and difficult to navigate, Bailin said.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025
Chiefly, many doctors say the label is largely responsible for stigmatizing hormone therapy and discouraging many women from taking it and doctors from prescribing it.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2025
However, experts say juvenile delinquencies can have serious long-term consequences by disrupting children's education and stigmatizing them.
—Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025
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
In 2021, the actress and comedian opened up further about her addiction and the importance of de-stigmatizing the topic.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Nov. 2025
But economic eligibility systems are stigmatizing and difficult to navigate, Bailin said.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025
Chiefly, many doctors say the label is largely responsible for stigmatizing hormone therapy and discouraging many women from taking it and doctors from prescribing it.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2025
However, experts say juvenile delinquencies can have serious long-term consequences by disrupting children's education and stigmatizing them.
—Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stigmatizing
Verb
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Hafley praised Johnson, labeling the draft’s 27th pick, a player the Dolphins traded up for, as his favorite cornerback in the draft because of his combination of size, speed, athleticism and footwork.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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Label each basket clearly to avoid any mix-ups; consider clip-on labels for fabric baskets or labeling the shelf for quick and easy identification.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The employees asked Döpfner to take a series of measures in response, including adding a disclaimer to all op-eds specifying that the author’s views do not represent those of Politico or staff.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Warsh’s filings list holdings in two funds that are valued at over $50 million, without specifying an upper limit.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As the company’s general manager of marketing, communications and branding Eda Dikmen noted, even environmental choices have social impact, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of those in Soorty’s value chain and beyond.—
SJ Studio,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
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The shift comes just a few weeks after Allbirds sold its footwear assets and branding to American Exchange Group, which specializes in selling licensed fashion accessories with already-existing recognizable brand names, for just $39 million.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And the general idea of naming a horse The Puma is pretty funny.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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In a speech to Congress, the monarch avoided naming the president but highlighted democratic norms, Ukraine and Western unity.—
Michael Birnbaum,
Washington Post,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The district is the poorest the city, and the council race is expected to be one of the most competitive city contests this June, with the current council member, Curren Price, terming out.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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Experts are terming this more of a long-term drought given the longevity but still, a wet spring could change things in a hurry.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In November 2024, Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Bob Blumenfield introduced a motion calling for the city to explore bypassing LAHSA and contracting directly with service providers, citing concerns about fragmentation and accountability.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
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And their second-best defender, Jaden McDaniels, is skilled at calling the Nuggets’ names.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stigmatizing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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