tarnish

verb

ˈtär-nish How to pronounce tarnish (audio)
Definition of tarnishnext
as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable a false accusation that nonetheless tarnished her reputation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 For trophies tarnish And crowds grow still Time itself outlasts all the skill. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026 Steer clear of using them with alliums, eggs, vinegars, tomatoes, or shellfish so as not to tarnish the silver. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026 The Pentagon's inadequate communication has tarnished trust and credibility among the American public, Congress and crucial regional allies who are facing Iranian attacks, three former military officials tell Lawrence. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 July 2026 Jingye Group said in a WeChat statement that the nationalization move tarnished the credibility of the British government, spooked international investors and caused great losses to the company’s operation and British taxpayers’ funds. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tarnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarnish
  1. taint
  2. mar
  3. spoil
  4. stain
  5. poison
  6. darken
Verb
  • The political violence that tainted the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction era clashes with traditional definitions of terrorism, which typically targets a power structure that such violence seeks to upend.
    — Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
  • More than two dozen California Democrats are confronting the FCC over its rare early review of Disney’s ABC station licenses, calling the process ideologically tainted and aimed at punishing critical media coverage.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of taint
Verb
  • After topping June’s mayoral primary, Karen Bass’ summer has been marred by staff departures, fallout from the fire in Boyle Heights and a rise in citywide homelessness.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending knee injury in Week 15 further marred and muddled it.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of mar
Verb
  • As Tom Holland’s summer blockbusters take over the big screen, X has spoiled yet another one of the actor’s theatrical releases.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Ballot spoiling was the subject of a 2022 lawsuit brought by a Republican group.
    — Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 29 July 2026
Definition of spoil
Verb
  • The bronze is reportedly stained lipstick-pink from fans kissing it.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Ceiling tiles were stained and chipped throughout the main cook line in the restaurant located inside the kid-friendly entertainment center.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of stain
Verb
  • In the past farmers have been suspected of deliberately poisoning elephants to prevent them from eating crops.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
  • Historically used in dry cleaning or to degrease metal parts, the chemicals leaked into the base’s wells, poisoning the drinking water.
    — WUFT News, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of poison
Verb
  • The sky darkens to twilight, exposing the Sun's corona and sometimes revealing stars and planets as temperatures briefly cool.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The summer sounds of 1966 offered a distraction from darkening clouds of social and political upheaval.
    — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of darken

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tarnish
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Cite this Entry

“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarnish. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tarnish

Nglish: Translation of tarnish for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tarnish

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