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Showing results for scapegoat. Search instead for scapegoat/2.
Definitions

scapegoat

[skeyp-goht] / ˈskeɪpˌgoʊt /
NOUN
person who takes blame for another's action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fall guy
STRONG
chump doormat dupe fool goat gull mark patsy pigeon pushover sacrifice sap schmuck stooge sucker victim weakling
WEAK
boob easy mark sitting duck

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

In short, the fearmongers need a new scapegoat.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Lesson: The volatility that comes with technological change sometimes requires a scapegoat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 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

There was always one unfortunate whom the teacher singled out and used for a scapegoat.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.