as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
a false accusation that nonetheless tarnished her reputation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 tarnish
The Florida case centers on Nicklaus’ claims that Milstein used the New York litigation and media outreach to tarnish his reputation.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025
His subsequent disqualification, however, tarnished the Olympic Games’ blue riband event and was one of the biggest news stories in the world in the summer of ’88.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Poor fire and building safety standards lead to dozens of such disasters in Bangladesh each year, and past accidents have tarnished the South Asian country’s garments sector, which employs 4 million people and makes up more than 10% of the gross domestic product.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
Before our very eyes, left-wing radicals toppled his statues, vandalized his monuments, tarnished his character, and sought to exile him from our public spaces.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tarnish
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025
His subsequent disqualification, however, tarnished the Olympic Games’ blue riband event and was one of the biggest news stories in the world in the summer of ’88.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Poor fire and building safety standards lead to dozens of such disasters in Bangladesh each year, and past accidents have tarnished the South Asian country’s garments sector, which employs 4 million people and makes up more than 10% of the gross domestic product.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
Before our very eyes, left-wing radicals toppled his statues, vandalized his monuments, tarnished his character, and sought to exile him from our public spaces.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tarnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarnish
Verb
-
The lawsuit seeks restitution, punitive damages, and a court order requiring Spotify to disclose whether Discovery Mode is tainted by money or royalty deals.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
5 Nov. 2025
-
In November 2024, an American citizen was among six tourists who died in Laos, where alcohol tainted with methanol was blamed for poisoning them.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This dynamic marred the 2012-13 Hurricane Sandy package and has recurred in other disaster bills, not because relief is illegitimate but because speed plus political cover invites provisions that would die in regular order.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Sook’s comments followed Nexstar’s report of quarterly results, which were marred by the absence of political advertising compared with the same quarter in 2024.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Pluribus crackles with terrific comic tension as Carol wakes up next to her dead partner, filled with grief yet spoiling for a fight.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Without spoiling too much, the two-minute clip finds Carol weathering ample concern for her less-than-cheery demeanor.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Scorched and stained pots and pans almost always require scraping and scouring, and cast-iron skillets can rust when soaked.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Brit List script, which treads the line between black comedy and drama, is set in the early 20th Century Hungary where a village knitting club takes it upon themselves to poison their abusive husbands with arsenic.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
-
People who are rude or unaware with receptionists can poison your culture, create unnecessary hierarchies, and drive your best people to leave.—
Jessica Neal,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Elsewhere, an unexpected power shift darkens the brotherhood bond between Phil (Adrian Holmes) and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola), whose loyalties to the Banks family are tested.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The dishwasher often darkens and discolors aluminum cookware.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarnish. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share