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

“It seems like equating ‘air rage’ to attire is making clothing the scapegoat for an overly expensive, stressful and corporate-oriented flying experience,” said Iain Gordon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 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

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

Of course, Pacheco’s pig in certain ways had become just such a scapegoat, taking up some of the slack created by the Abuelo’s demise.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols