scapegoat
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When policies fail and public support craters, authoritarian regimes inevitably seek a scapegoat.
From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026
Economic disadvantage is perhaps the most popular scapegoat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026
Defence lawyer Jason Goss said prosecutors were trying to scapegoat Gonzales, 52, and make him "pay for the pain of that day".
From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026
A TikTok spokesman told AFP in September that the company "categorically rejects the deceptive presentation" by French MPs, saying it was being made a "scapegoat" for broader societal issues.
From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025
If she arrived a minute after, she worried because that made her the logical scapegoat of the boss if he happened to be in a bad mood that day.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Vocabulary lists containing scapegoat
Idioms and Expressions, List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Wait, What? Confusing Compound Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Jane Eyre
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
