as in to stain
to make dirty
inconsiderately besmirched the carpet with their dirty feet
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Recent Examples of besmirch
Other attempts to besmirch her also fell short — as in the 2024 election, when former Sen. Randolph Bracy launched an ugly attempt to oust her from the District 15 Senate seat.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
Images illustrating the reality versus carefully edited Instagram selfies have somewhat besmirched Santorini’s romantic reputation of late.
—Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 16 Dec. 2024
Completely besmirched by this new sham of a spot.
—Mike D. Sykes, For The Win, 11 Dec. 2024
The Confederate flag was carried through its premises, the flag of an old attack on this country and its (often jettisoned and besmirched but still significant) ideals of equality.
—Rebecca Solnit
january 9, Literary Hub, 9 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for besmirch
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
Images illustrating the reality versus carefully edited Instagram selfies have somewhat besmirched Santorini’s romantic reputation of late.
—Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 16 Dec. 2024
Completely besmirched by this new sham of a spot.
—Mike D. Sykes, For The Win, 11 Dec. 2024
The Confederate flag was carried through its premises, the flag of an old attack on this country and its (often jettisoned and besmirched but still significant) ideals of equality.
—Rebecca Solnit
january 9, Literary Hub, 9 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for besmirch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for besmirch
Verb
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Wood floors that have been stained in interesting patterns create a sense of architecture and rhythm, bridge traditional elements with modern ones, and can even help a space feel larger.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2025
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Sealing your grout is a great way to prevent further staining and using a steam cleaner can help to lift the stains.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Trader Joe’s Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettuccine alfredo is also on the list but only affects four states – Texas not included.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
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Recalled Trader Joe's pasta sold in Arizona The CDC said listeria contaminated products sold at Trader Joe's were the store's Trader Joe’s Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettucine alfredo, contained in a plastic tray.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At Dilara Findikoglu, models looked like ladies in waiting that had risen from the dead; wearing antiquated corsetry that was dirtied and torn.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
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As more success suddenly comes his way, McKinstry has remained the same, friendly and chuckling at his locker, dirtying his jersey and pestering opponents on the field.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
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The problem isn’t Dearborn, or that people working on the secret project might have their creative process sullied by parking next to employees involved in the automaker’s current products.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
1 Oct. 2025
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But that historical moment was sullied when journalist Sarah Hagi posted screenshots of old X posts from Gascón, which contained racist and Islamophobic sentiments.—
James Factora,
Them.,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Besmirch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/besmirch. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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