scapegoat
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for scapegoat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person blamed for a problem or failure that was not really their fault, often to protect others.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use scapegoat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Coined by the 16th-century Bible translator William Tyndale from "scape" (escape) + "goat," describing an ancient ritual in which a goat symbolically carried away a community's sins into the wilderness.
Full origin of scapegoat →Frequently asked questions
What does “scapegoat” mean?
The word “scapegoat” means a person blamed for a problem or failure that was not really their fault, often to protect others. In plain terms, someone who takes the blame so everyone else is off the hook — whether or not it's fair.
How do you pronounce “scapegoat”?
“Scapegoat” is pronounced SKAYP-goht (/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scapegoat” in a sentence?
Here is “scapegoat” used in a sentence: “The junior analyst became the scapegoat when the deal fell through.”
What is another word for “scapegoat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scapegoat” include sacrificial lamb, escapegoat, fall guy, folk devil, goat and patsy.
What part of speech is “scapegoat”?
Depending on how it is used, “scapegoat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scapegoat” come from?
The word “scapegoat” dates back to around 1500. Coined by the 16th-century Bible translator William Tyndale from "scape" (escape) + "goat," describing an ancient ritual in which a goat symbolically carried away a community's sins into the wilderness.
Is “scapegoat” a common word?
“Scapegoat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “scapegoat” have?
“Scapegoat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person blamed for a problem or failure that was not really their fault, often to protect others.