scapegoats

NOUN

person who takes blame for

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fall guy

STRONG

chump doormat dupe fool goat gull mark patsy pigeon pushover sacrifice sap schmuck stooge sucker victim weakling

WEAK

another's action 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.

If you’re winning, you don’t typically threaten to destroy a civilization or look for scapegoats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Many Angolan journalists and activists strongly contest the idea that the protests weren't organic, and say Angolan authorities might be using the Russians as scapegoats.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

But Roach has insightfully made this about people, not societal scapegoats.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

Ancient myths are rife with stories of gods sacrificing scapegoats to maintain their rank in the divine order.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

I should have been cursing the system, but my mom and dad were much more tangible scapegoats.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi