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
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
Neither, by their report, had his dying words acknowledged, nor even remotely implied, any, the slightest connection, on his part, with the guilt for which Hester Prynne had so long worn the scarlet letter.
From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock
