as in to stain
to make dirty
inconsiderately besmirched the carpet with their dirty feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 besmirch
For example, articles daring to besmirch the brilliance of Neymar.
—
Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Conservative leaders and administrations have besmirched the rule of law in the Republic's gravest scandals; Teapot Dome under Harding, Watergate under Nixon, Iran–Contra under Reagan, and multiple scandals in the Trump era.
—Allan J. Lichtman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Trump has focused on tourist-friendly areas being besmirched by crime.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 11 Aug. 2025
And when that honor is besmirched or betrayed by even the people who are closest to him — like Eryn’s lover, Billy — it’s met with destruction and revenge of the most brutal kind.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for besmirch
Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Conservative leaders and administrations have besmirched the rule of law in the Republic's gravest scandals; Teapot Dome under Harding, Watergate under Nixon, Iran–Contra under Reagan, and multiple scandals in the Trump era.
—Allan J. Lichtman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Trump has focused on tourist-friendly areas being besmirched by crime.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 11 Aug. 2025
And when that honor is besmirched or betrayed by even the people who are closest to him — like Eryn’s lover, Billy — it’s met with destruction and revenge of the most brutal kind.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for besmirch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for besmirch
Verb
-
Scorched and stained pots and pans almost always require scraping and scouring, and cast-iron skillets can rust when soaked.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In all, more than 8,000 California wildfires blackened 525,223 acres, killed 31 people and burned 16,512 structures in the past year, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
While old shoes washing ashore might sound unique, this isn’t the first time that these leather shoes — well-preserved and blackened with time — have been found in the area.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Keep them in reserve as a sleep sock to ward off icy toes and prevent sweat and skin oils from dirtying your down sleeping bag.—
Adam Roy,
Outside,
28 Dec. 2025
-
Garments can be dirtied again by the elements if air-dried outside.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The brewery’s brand has been sullied by Harvey Weinstein-level ick that the PR response so far has just made worse.—
Theoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Part of the art of airing dirty laundry lies in sullying oneself in the process.—
Anna Holmes,
The Atlantic,
16 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Besmirch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/besmirch. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share