scarlet letter

NOUN

mark on sinner

Synonyms

WEAK

badge of infamy bar sinister mark of Cain

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.

Controversial newsmakers—Monica Lewinsky, Tonya Harding, Lorena Bobbitt among them—had the term pinioned to them like a scarlet letter, stripping away their accomplishments and leaving only scorned husks of their real selves.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2025

“It is far worse than any scarlet letter could ever be,” he added.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

The entire league knows the scarlet letter on Wentz’s scouting report: He holds the ball too dang long.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2023

But a positive test result still carries a taint; like a scarlet letter declaring to the world that you have done something wrong.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2022

But, in truth, Pearl was the one, as well as the other; and only in consequence of that identity had Hester contrived so perfectly to represent the scarlet letter in her appearance.

From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock