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
“It is far worse than any scarlet letter could ever be,” he added.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024
Yet Mia remains alienated, hanging awkwardly apart from her raucous, thrill-seeking friends, wearing her bereavement like a scarlet letter.
From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2023
But in good earnest now, mother dear, what does this scarlet letter mean?—and why dost thou wear it on thy bosom?—and why does the minister keep his hand over his heart?”
From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.