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

“But now I have, like, a scarlet letter and the medical stuff so even if I could go to work, my face would be doing gymnastics.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 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

But, through the remainder of Hester's life, there were indications that the recluse of the scarlet letter was the object of love and interest with some inhabitant of another land.

From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock