blemish

verb

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blem·ish | \ ˈble-mish

blemished; blemishing; blemishes

Definition of blemish

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to spoil by a flaw

blemish

noun

Definition of blemish (Entry 2 of 2)

: a noticeable imperfection especially : one that seriously impairs appearance

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about blemish

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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 And while some have sought therapy or medications to cope, others fear that engaging in these support systems could blemish their records and dissuade future employers from hiring them. — New York Times, "Covid Combat Fatigue: ‘I Would Come Home With Tears in My Eyes’," 25 Nov. 2020 For his part, Hinch defended his players' talents but acknowledged the clubhouse put itself in a position where its achievements may be blemished. — Editors, USA TODAY, "New Hampshire Democratic debate, coronavirus outbreak, Astros cheating scandal: 5 things to know Friday," 7 Feb. 2020 Such a policy would ensure that individuals did not emerge from this crisis burdened with debts and blemished credit Renters need help, too. — Sendhil Mullainathan, New York Times, "We All Need Small Businesses. Don’t Let Them Die.," 19 Mar. 2020 Skin lighteners generate a less painted look than skin whiteners by removing rather than concealing blemished or melanin-rich skin. — Lynn M. Thomas, Quartz Africa, "There’s a complex history of skin lighteners in Africa and beyond," 9 Mar. 2020 Fort Scott takes blemished bullets from their production line and turns them into Bullet Bait, a run of handmade fishing lures. — Matthew Every, Outdoor Life, "Weird, Off-Beat, and Cool Guns and Gear from SHOT Show 2020," 11 Feb. 2020 The incident served as the catalyst for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson’s request that the then-Obama Justice Department examine the department’s blemished history of unconstitutional policing practices. — Evan Macdonald, cleveland, "‘This should not have happened,’ Cleveland police chief says of 13-year-old girl’s death during chase," 24 Jan. 2020 There would then still be opportunities for Ohio State, against Michigan and in the Big Ten title game, to have their record blemished and potentially help Alabama. — Mike Rodak | Mrodak@al.com, al, "Who does Alabama need to lose this weekend? The fan rooting guide to Week 13," 21 Nov. 2019 The struggles of Jason Heyward (.252 OBP) and Kyle Schwarber (.304) to reach base from the top spot blemished their rebound seasons. — Mark Gonzales, chicagotribune.com, "Should the Cubs re-sign Nicholas Castellanos? A look at the pros and cons of retaining the outfielder.," 8 Dec. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun This conviction is the only major blemish on Dr. Bernadett’s record. — BostonGlobe.com, "Here’s a full list of the people who Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of," 20 Jan. 2021 This conviction is the only major blemish on Dr. Bernadett’s record. — al, "Who did Trump pardon at the last minute? Here’s the full list of 143 people who received clemency," 20 Jan. 2021 Yet some economists and staffing officials argue this downturn is different and long-term unemployment won’t be a blemish for workers and an albatross for the economy, as in past recessions. — Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, "As COVID-19 persists, more Americans are unemployed more than six months. Is that a stigma even in a pandemic?," 4 Dec. 2020 His only blemish: five errors — but five double plays turned — in 64 chances (.922 fielding percentage). — Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers in winter leagues: Sergio Alcantara stands out, Daz Cameron finds new team," 15 Dec. 2020 Three minutes later, Minnesota State cut it to 2-1 on a Sydney Langseth goal, the only blemish in Bench's night. — News Services, Star Tribune, "Lauren Bench stops 40 of 41 shots as Gophers top Minnesota State Mankato," 10 Dec. 2020 The Warriors, ranked No. 14 in the final state rankings, have only one blemish on their record: a 47-24 season-opening loss to Denton Ryan, the favorite to win state at 5A Div. — Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, "2020 UIL high school football playoff 6A, 5A predictions: Best first-round matchups, dark horses and regional winners," 8 Dec. 2020 The only blemish was a 31-29 setback to Palmetto Ridge. — Gary Curreri, sun-sentinel.com, "Stallion wrestlers gallop to third-place finish in dual meet," 8 Dec. 2020 But that was the only blemish on the day for Mayfield, who wasn’t sacked. — Scott Patsko, cleveland, "Grade Baker Mayfield’s performance against the Titans in Week 13 (poll)," 7 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blemish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for blemish

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

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