as in stains
to make dirty
inconsiderately besmirched the carpet with their dirty feet
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Recent Examples of besmirches
The eggs were fluffy, lacking any of the rubbery slop that besmirches lesser breakfast burritos.
—
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 Dec. 2025
This cynicism inevitably besmirches players, coaches, and referees who have no ties to gambling.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 Dec. 2025
This cynicism inevitably besmirches players, coaches, and referees who have no ties to gambling.
—Danny Funt, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for besmirches
Verb
-
This mixture attacks stains a bit stronger than the water solution.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Season with salt and lots of pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until the turmeric stains the mixture a wonderful golden color and the liquid starts to steam, about 3 minutes.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
For all the ways Disney’s move sullies it with creatives in Hollywood, OpenAI’s new partner does the opposite — gives it massive cred in Silicon Valley.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Somebody does something terrible and messes it up.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Besmirches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/besmirches. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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