discolor

verb

Definition of discolornext
as in to smudge

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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 discolor That being said, harsh chemical cleaners can cause the surface to crack or discolor over time, so mild soap and water are your best bet. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 The flushing may temporarily discolor the water as buildup in the pipes is cleaned out. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 How to Deadhead Lilies Look for lily stems with flowers that have faded or are beginning to fade, discolor, or drop off. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 July 2026 Additionally, any errant water drops that land on leaves are more likely to spread disease or discolor them during this time. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discolor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discolor
  1. smudge
  2. soil
  3. tarnish
  4. blacken
  5. smear
  6. pollute
  7. dirty
  8. stain
Verb
  • Inglessis applies liner near the lash line—easily smudged for a day-to-night look—while Baker, a huge mascara advocate, considers a single coat (if that) all that’s necessary.
    — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Bobbi Brown side had faded less and hadn’t smudged as much beneath my lower lash line, which is usually the first area to start running.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of smudge
Verb
  • Well-loved and used items that are broken, damaged beyond repair, unsafe, or heavily stained or soiled should be thrown out.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Lamb checked out of the room the next day, and a housekeeper found three large trash bags filled with bloody towels and linens that were also soiled with human waste, according to the report.
    — David Goodhue August 21, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of soil
Verb
  • Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first, since some metal components may tarnish or degrade with high heat or moisture.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In June, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of rape and domestic violence after a seven-week trial that further tarnished the family’s reputation.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of tarnish
Verb
  • Morawetz also points to baking and air-frying as favorite preparation methods, noting that charring or blackening from direct high-heat grilling can be linked to health risks.
    — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Corbin uses cabbage as an anchor in his new and expanding Rolodex of flavors, thrusting it into the fire until the outer layers are blackened and frizzled.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of blacken
Verb
  • People have gone from smearing the compound on their faces to using injections, in hopes of achieving firmer, wrinkle-free skin and other anti-aging benefits.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Aware of them now, the dog shakes loose the can—his forelock matted, his jowl smeared with beans—and shrinks into the trees with a whimper that makes something tighten in Molly’s own chest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of smear
Verb
  • Such plans are contrary to Indonesia’s promises to cut its use of coal, the most heavily polluting major fossil fuel and a significant source of planet-warming emissions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Environmental groups advocated for SB 954 over concerns that the CEQA exemption could allow heavily polluting facilities to bypass environmental review.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of pollute
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
  • Several others said the incident has stained India’s credibility and the Hindu religion.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That one throw, aided by some controversial officiating, helped Michigan avoid a loss that would have stained its entire season.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain

Browse Nearby Words

discoidal
discolor
discoloration
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discolor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discolor. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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