1
as in staining
to make dirty
the mechanic fouled the bath towels with axle grease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polluting
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable
industrial pollution fouling the water supply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in humiliating
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
the minister was irreparably fouled by baseless rumors and allegations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in decomposing
to go through decomposition
unless you want to smell the organic refuse as it fouls, locate the compost heap away from the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fouling
Two of the Huddersfield players were sent off for fouling Trundle, and their manager Peter Jackson was incensed.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
Chisholm was removed from the Bombers’ 5-1 loss in the fourth inning after fouling off a knuckle-curve from Chicago’s Sean Burke.
—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
The Knicks put the game out of reach once the Spurs were forced to start fouling on the extra possession.
—
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
One brush fire from the summer storm then split into two, and the raging flames sent plumes of black smoke upward, darkening the skies for miles and fouling the air.
—
Kairi Lowery,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
Two batters later, Michael Massey worked a lengthy at-bat, fouling off several offerings.
—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
Campusano sustained the fracture after fouling a ball off his foot in San Francisco.
—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
Chisholm was removed from the Bombers’ 5-1 loss in the fourth inning after fouling off a knuckle-curve from Chicago’s Sean Burke.
—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
The Knicks put the game out of reach once the Spurs were forced to start fouling on the extra possession.
—
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
One brush fire from the summer storm then split into two, and the raging flames sent plumes of black smoke upward, darkening the skies for miles and fouling the air.
—
Kairi Lowery,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
Two batters later, Michael Massey worked a lengthy at-bat, fouling off several offerings.
—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
Campusano sustained the fracture after fouling a ball off his foot in San Francisco.
—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fouling
Verb
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Sealing the grout keeps foods from staining it.
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Natural stone can be more involved; it should be sealed before grouting and can require upkeep to protect against staining.
Verb
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In a highly unusual move, the US Justice Department has urged a federalcourt to throw out a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s company xAI for its use of polluting gas turbines — sparking concerns the government is trying to undermine the ability of individuals or communities to sue polluters.
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Perversely, this exemption may encourage companies to switch to highly-polluting diesel engines to avoid idling fines.
Verb
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New Yorkers will recall the assholic behavior of the Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, a swaggering builder of ships, who always seemed to delight in humiliating his managers and players.
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In her report, Soto accused Sibrian of allegedly mocking and humiliating her for her accent, immigration status and race and calling her stupid.
Verb
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Clogged Drains On the other hand, a smelly drain that gets frequent use may have a clog or decomposing matter in the pipes.
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Officials warned that decomposing fish could create potential health hazards for visitors entering the area or attempting to fish.
Verb
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And Hanceville’s fate is as murky as the fog that pours in at night, blotting out buildings and blackening the road ahead.
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These tungsten atoms would then condense on the slightly cooler inside of the glass bulb, blackening it and dimming the light over time.
Verb
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One of Robinson's attorneys, Kathryn Nester, also represented Kouri Richins, who was convicted of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022.
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Lewis was accused of poisoning two white female housemates, assaulted by a white mob in response to the charge, and acquitted in court, only to then be accused of stealing art supplies and prohibited from reënrolling.
Verb
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Defense attorney Tom Mesereau was an expert at discrediting witnesses, subjects told the filmmakers, but certain key witnesses, like Janet Arvizo, struggled to connect with the jury on their own.
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If the Knicks had that happen to them, everyone would be discrediting them.
Verb
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Right now, the rings furthest from the planet are disintegrating and drifting into space.
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The damage from our disintegrating democracy demands attention — and now.
Cite this Entry
“Fouling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fouling. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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