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.

I believe he lived with a scarlet letter on him because of it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

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

Listings in these neighborhoods carry a proverbial scarlet letter as Palm Springs becomes a city of rentable homes versus nonrentable homes.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2024

Historically, climate advocacy as a scientist has been viewed by some as akin to a scarlet letter, a move that could jeopardize a researcher’s credibility or job.

From Washington Post • May 20, 2022

Not only had he brought blindness to her, but now he was to bring her to the pillory with the scarlet letter fixed upon her.

From Swirling Waters by Rittenberg, Max