scapegoat

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.

When policies fail and public support craters, authoritarian regimes inevitably seek a scapegoat.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

In short, the fearmongers need a new scapegoat.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

The Egyptian did not disguise his belief he had been made a scapegoat, provoking divisive debate when Slot and Liverpool needed unity and calm – but was his claim justified?

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

Perhaps because Mr. Kennedy and vaccine opponents have made vaccines an autism scapegoat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

This didn’t satisfy many people, and a second scapegoat soon emerged: the firefighters.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy