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

Economic disadvantage is perhaps the most popular scapegoat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Defence lawyer Jason Goss said prosecutors were trying to scapegoat Gonzales, 52, and make him "pay for the pain of that day".

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

If she arrived a minute after, she worried because that made her the logical scapegoat of the boss if he happened to be in a bad mood that day.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith