blemish

1 of 2

verb

blem·​ish ˈble-mish 

blemished; blemishing; blemishes

transitive verb

: to spoil by a flaw

blemish

2 of 2

noun

: a noticeable imperfection

especially : one that seriously impairs appearance

Synonyms

Verb

• mar
• taint
• stain
• spoil
• poison
• darken
• tarnish

Noun

• defect
• blotch
• scar
• mark

Examples of blemish in a Sentence

Verb

A series of burn marks blemish the table's surface.

The incident blemished his reputation.

Noun

The cream is supposed to prevent blemishes on the skin.

The table had a few scratches and minor blemishes.

The book fails to mention any of the organization's many blemishes.

The incident was a blemish on his record.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Amorim cupped his hand round the back of Casemiro’s neck as the midfielder’s eyes focused down on the turf, a man possibly contemplating how his perfect record in five Champions League finals had become blemished with a loss in the equivalent in Europe’s second-tier competition. —Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 22 May 2025

If the stalks are limp, rubbery, blemished, or dry and wood-like, and the tips mushy and discolored, then take a pass. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025

Noun

But a closer look at the data reveals blemishes that could mar that rosy outlook — with President Donald Trump’s economic policies as the most significant common denominator. —Lucy Bayly, CNN Money, 3 July 2025

While small blemishes are normal, larger cracks or cuts can be a sign of over-handling, which might affect its taste and food safety. —Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English blemisshen, to damage, injure, sully, from Anglo-French blemiss-, stem of blemir, blesmir, from Old French, literally, to make pale by wounding, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German blasros horse with a blaze, Old Norse blesi blaze — more at blaze

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blemish

• flemish

Kids Definition

blemish

noun

blem·​ish

ˈblem-ish

: a mark that makes something imperfect

blemish verb

Medical Definition

blemish

noun

blem·​ish ˈblem-ish 

: a mark of physical deformity or injury: as

a

: any small mark on the skin (as a pimple or birthmark)

blemishes symptomatic of acne

b

: a defect of an animal (as a horse) that detracts from its appearance but does not interfere with its usefulness