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

I feel sorry for Nancy as he should never been appointed in the first place, but he'll be used as the scapegoat.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

“You’re making Stan a scapegoat, just like you want to make me a mascot.”

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling