goat 1 of 2

noun

ˈgōt How to pronounce goat (audio)
Definition of goatnext
as in victim
a person or thing taking the blame for others an unhappy childhood was the goat he used to rationalize every failure and shortcoming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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go at

2 of 2

phrase

1
as in raid
to take sudden, violent action against He went at his opponent with such fervor, the fight was practically over before it began.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in approach
to start work on energetically She went at that project with such enthusiasm, you could tell it was a labor of love.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of goat
Noun
Should cabin fever somehow strike, the hotel can arrange adventures further afield, from whale-watching and boat trips along the Costa Del Sol coast to private hikes through the Andalusian mountains and even cheesemaking at a local goat farm. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026 The commenter recommended a farm called Moonlight Ridge, and Marris clicked over to its Facebook page, which was filled with pictures of velvety Nubian goats. — CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Aritzia’s fall lineup is stacked with delicious jacket options, including this boxy, cropped jacket made of a thick, soft goat suede. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026 Domestic animals including cats, dogs, cattle, goats and sheep continue to show a decline in positive cases. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goat
  1. victim
  2. scapegoat
  3. excuse
Noun
  • In delivering her victim impact statement, Collins’ mother said their family can’t look at a bathtub without thinking of what happened.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The entry is paired with a suite of portraits of a number of Black men and women wearing MooreWraps, versatile multi-wear garments created by Moore’s sister with proceeds donated to victims of domestic violence and incarceration.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of victim
Noun
  • Some veterans say recruiters deceived them and Haitian authorities tortured them; their families call them scapegoats.
    — Astrid Suárez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Indiana fans have become an easy scapegoat, and the reaction on Bluesky showed how little information some people needed to blame them.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of scapegoat
Noun
  • Scammers can use major security incidents as an excuse to send fake notices or links designed to steal even more information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • More from Taaffe The Dolphins are the youngest team in the league, but Taaffe and quarterback Malik Willis said this week that the Dolphins cannot use that as an excuse.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of excuse

Phrases Containing goat

Browse Nearby Words

goals
goat
go at
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Cite this Entry

“Goat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goat. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on goat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goat

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