scarlet letter
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
Energy consultant Gonzalo Monroy warned that the restructuring “would mark Mexico with a scarlet letter that says Mexico does not honor contracts, it changes the rules, it is arbitrary with inversions.”
From Washington Post • Apr. 16, 2022
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
Had seven long years, under the torture of the scarlet letter, inflicted so much of misery, and wrought out no repentance?
From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock
