as in victim
a person or thing taking the blame for others companies often use the economy as a scapegoat to avoid taking responsibility for dropping sales

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 scapegoat One of the most dreaded periods of the NFL calendar arrived this week, bringing with it a new collection of scapegoats. Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 The scapegoat was the Chief Financial Officer, who resigned a month after the disclosure. Ryan Craig, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 The scapegoats will get kicked to the curb and the carousels will spin once again. Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 These concepts are key to evaluating candidates and choosing one who offers more than false hope, isolationism and scapegoats. Aine Seitz McCarthy, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scapegoat 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scapegoat
Noun
  • In January, they were spotted together visiting the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, Calif., to help distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • There was a young woman who dressed as a Boston Marathon bombing victim for Halloween.
    Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Use the seasons or holidays as an excuse to swap them out!
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2025
  • What if, the thinking goes, the prospect of CTE becomes an excuse for any violent or criminal behavior?
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • By Belinda Luscombe February 7, 2025 1:51 PM EST James Akot has three goats.
    Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Sharing an exploding fist bump and a laugh with a young boy herding goats at a river island.
    Matt Dutile, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scapegoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scapegoat. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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