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befoul

verb

bi-ˈfau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce befoul (audio)
Definition of befoulnext
1
as in to stain
to make dirty unsightly mud and slush befouls the family car every winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pollute
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable the enemy had befouled the water in all of the area's wells with animal carcasses

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 befoul They should not be thrown, jumped off, eaten, screamed at, or otherwise befouled. — Eddie Small, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026 The natural world may be past saving, particularly as a habitat for the species that has so utterly befouled it, and, yet, what else is there to do but keep on keeping on? — Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025 Capitalism is degrading us, killing us and befouling our world. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 8 June 2023 This roman à clef series begins with the patriarch of the Roy clan, Logan (Brian Cox), urinating on a carpet (evoking The Big Lebowski, befouling us). — Armond White, National Review, 5 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for befoul
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befoul
  1. stain
  2. pollute
  3. blacken
  4. dirty
  5. sully
  6. besmirch
  7. soil
  8. muck
Verb
  • Her copy of Beginner's Yoruba became water-stained and covered in pencil marks.
    — Anya Steinberg, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
  • An ocular staining score of 5 or higher in at least one eye earns one point in the ACR/EULAR criteria.
    — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
Verb
  • Industrial animal agriculture confines and kills billions of animals while polluting waterways and damaging ecosystems.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, much of it is shipped off to the Global South to be repurposed and/or to pollute.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of pollute
Verb
  • Lines at Russian gas stations, crippled refineries, and images of burning oil depots blackening the sky lent credence to the narrative, as did blackouts and fuel shortages in Crimea.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2026
  • There’s more than just blackening bananas; electrodes embedded in the fruit transmit electrical signals into sound and light tones that constantly shift.
    — Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of blacken
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Verb
  • Seaver is also named in a lawsuit accusing him of threatening to sully his aunt’s legacy and harm her employees, according to documents viewed by People.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The allegations of partner abuse likewise don’t seem to sully the fantasy fueled by his onstage presence and his music.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of sully
Verb
  • Our nation’s capital is besmirched, on his say-so, with signs and banners bearing his likeness and name.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Troubled by all the people besmirching the occupation, a group of agents formed a national trade group in 1908—the one eventually known as NAR.
    — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of besmirch
Verb
  • Three boxes of fries were found on the floor in the walk-in cooler, soiled with a mixture of water and raw chicken juice.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Seventh Generation, for example, recommends half a sheet for small or medium loads, one for large loads and two for extra-large or heavily soiled loads.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of soil
Verb
  • He's been mucking about with them for going on 60 years, and decided to enter the contest for the first time in 2025.
    — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But a second straight dud season would really muck things up.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of muck

Browse Nearby Words

before long
befoul
befouled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Befoul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befoul. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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