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
That’s not switching, not blocking out, fouling a 3-point shooter, getting beat one-on-one with a crossover move.
—
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
In 1969, a well located off Santa Barbara blew out, releasing millions of gallons of oil, which washed up onto beaches, killing wildlife and fouling the waterfront of the popular tourist destination.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Oil slicks spread thousands of miles, fouling beaches in all five Gulf states in what remains the largest marine oil spill in American history.
—Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025
Tennessee plays great defense without fouling, so KU will need to ride the hot hands of Bidunga and Tiller — both of whom have played well in this tournament by scoring in the post.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025
Without Gordon, the focus also shifts toward figuring out how to guard star forwards without fouling.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025
Texas is starting to play sloppy defense and fouling Louisiana which gets them to the free throw line.
—Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 10 Nov. 2025
On a booking after fouling Mbeumo in the first half, he was hooked again by Hurzeler in the second half.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Well, except for fouling on plays that, a year ago, may have gone uncalled.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
In 1969, a well located off Santa Barbara blew out, releasing millions of gallons of oil, which washed up onto beaches, killing wildlife and fouling the waterfront of the popular tourist destination.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Oil slicks spread thousands of miles, fouling beaches in all five Gulf states in what remains the largest marine oil spill in American history.
—Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025
Tennessee plays great defense without fouling, so KU will need to ride the hot hands of Bidunga and Tiller — both of whom have played well in this tournament by scoring in the post.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Nov. 2025
Without Gordon, the focus also shifts toward figuring out how to guard star forwards without fouling.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025
Texas is starting to play sloppy defense and fouling Louisiana which gets them to the free throw line.
—Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 10 Nov. 2025
On a booking after fouling Mbeumo in the first half, he was hooked again by Hurzeler in the second half.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Well, except for fouling on plays that, a year ago, may have gone uncalled.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fouling
Verb
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Holevich adds that cleaning these surfaces promptly will help prevent long-term staining and lingering odors.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Foods like tomato sauce and chocolate can cause staining if they aren't wiped up right away.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The evidence is overwhelming and very difficult for high-polluting foreign governments to credibly challenge.—
Chip Lamarca,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Some in the industry are frustrated, saying opponents are spreading falsehoods about data centers — such as polluting water and air — and are difficult to overcome.—
Marc Levy,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This announcement, humiliating the involved member, is harmful.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For nearly two weeks before embarking on the cross-country road trip, the teenager lived with his parents’ decomposing bodies.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The earthy scent of decomposing leaves and soil contributes to the smell.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
High-Heat-Safe Alternatives While enameled cast-iron cookware is excellent to use for braising, roasting, baking, or gentle stovetop cooking, certain high heat applications like searing steak or blackening fish are best done in other types of pans, like traditional cast iron or stainless steel.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Each footstep sent up clouds of dust and ash, coating everything, including my mouth and teeth, in fine grit, blackening my snot and saliva.—
River Selby
August 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In November 2024, an American citizen was among six tourists who died in Laos, where alcohol tainted with methanol was blamed for poisoning them.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
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What about him specifically bothers you especially in terms of poisoning the youth?—
Jayson Buford,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
To be put in this category is discrediting.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
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Already, Cuba’s top diplomats have been sharing propaganda content discrediting Machado as a warmonger.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These signs indicate that the iceberg could be just days or weeks from disintegrating completely.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
8 Jan. 2026
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Instead of the usual disintegrating granola situation, Floura bars are more like fruit bars.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fouling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fouling. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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