scarlet letter

NOUN

mark on sinner

Synonyms

WEAK

badge of infamy bar sinister mark of Cain

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

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

It is not a scarlet letter enough for me that detestable owners are merely forced — or encouraged — to sell teams they ruined in myriad ways.

From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2023

The woman of the scarlet letter in the market-place!

From The Scarlet Letter by Foote, Mary Hallock