besmirching

verb

present participle of besmirch
as in staining
to make dirty inconsiderately besmirched the carpet with their dirty feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 besmirching In her response, Hajdini cast Rana as manipulative and deceitful, intent on ruining her life and besmirching her employer through his sensational accusations. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Kelly believes a book like this hasn’t been written before because people weren’t ready to hear the truth – as though acknowledging these famous people’s complete life experiences would be besmirching their legacies. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026 Famously, the British press conspired to draw the dramatist’s name through the mud, besmirching his literary legacy for generations to follow. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for besmirching
  1. staining
  2. blackening
  3. dirtying
  4. sullying
  5. messing
  6. soiling
  7. mucking
Verb
  • It’s formulated to hold up during outdoor activities without staining your clothes or running into your eyes.
    — Sara Coughlin, Allure, 9 July 2026
  • Wipe your stovetop and the front of the stove every day to minimize buildup and prevent staining.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
Definition of staining
Verb
  • Check monthly for signs of shriveling (add moisture), blackening or softening (discard).
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • The Volcano fire was among blazes this week, blackening more than 100 acres in Riverside County.
    — Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of blackening
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of dirtying
Verb
  • The Spurs were a ghastly 11 of 46 from the perimeter, sullying an otherwise analytically pristine shot chart that included only four non-paint 2s.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 5 June 2026
  • And could a second season, sans the extraordinary talents of Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, deliver a story and themes in keeping with that brand, without sullying what was so deviously tricky about the original series and its tone?
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of sullying
Verb
  • There was something a little therapeutic about messing it up.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 June 2026
  • No one can match her depth and passion to get vengeance on Krem of the Yellow Hills for messing with her family — a sentiment Cancers understand.
    — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Definition of messing
Verb
  • Some passengers reported soiling themselves in their seats.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
  • Also on the good side of things is Sean Bell’s lanky Sir Robin, the not-quite-so-brave, armor-soiling knight.
    — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Definition of soiling
Verb
  • But Ehlers has given Carolina a newfound level of offensive depth, especially given he’s meshed surprisingly well with Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook, two veteran checkers who have been mucking and grinding for years on a team that does that better than anyone.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 24 May 2026
  • In retirement, he’s gone back to that childhood, mucking the stalls and helping care for a menagerie that includes two horses, 10 mini goats, two mini pigs, a pair of horses and a bunch of chickens and dogs and cats.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of mucking

Browse Nearby Words

besmirches
besmirching
besotted
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Cite this Entry

“Besmirching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/besmirching. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of besmirching for Spanish Speakers

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