1
as in tainting
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
mar a politician's reputation with scurrilous rumors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in damaging
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
the once glossy surface is now marred by numerous small pits and abrasions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of marring
The demoralizing graffiti marring the main entrance to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 360 Lenox Ave.
—
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2026
Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, along with Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, were ejected for fighting, marring what was an intriguing game between the top team in the Eastern Conference and the one featuring the NBA’s longest current win streak.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
Including playoffs, Mayfield turned the ball over more than anyone else from 2023 through 2024, marring an otherwise fantastic two seasons in Tampa Bay.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
An optional front rack on both models adds instant utility without marring the retro-fantastic looks.
—William Roberson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2026
Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, along with Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, were ejected for fighting, marring what was an intriguing game between the top team in the Eastern Conference and the one featuring the NBA’s longest current win streak.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
Including playoffs, Mayfield turned the ball over more than anyone else from 2023 through 2024, marring an otherwise fantastic two seasons in Tampa Bay.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
An optional front rack on both models adds instant utility without marring the retro-fantastic looks.
—William Roberson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marring
Verb
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Played by cisgender actress Kathleen Turner, Charles proved to be one of the more divisive characters from Friends, tainting its cultural legacy for some critics.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
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Infected people and dogs had to be prevented from tainting water sources.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are expected across parts of Ohio on Saturday as a cold front moves through the region.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
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This will help protect them from a later cold snap damaging the fresh, new growth.—
Wayne Hobbs,
Florida Times-Union,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But Ryan put the game away with a 7-0 spurt, spoiling Glenn's first trip to the state finals.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
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South Florida’s bar scene is constantly spoiling us.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Guy Rivera, 36, was the passenger inside who prosecutors say shot at police, fatally injuring Diller, 31.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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But the district argued that, based on Florida Supreme Court precedent, each gunshot injuring a victim counted as a separate occurrence.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Signature Round Deep Oven offers plenty of features that justify the investment, like its easy-to-clean enamel that resists chipping, dulling, and staining, a tight-fitting lid that helps circulate steam, and an ergonomic knob for effortless lifting.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Feb. 2026
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For a softer take, Kulfi Beauty’s lip staining oil in Caramel adds a warm nude sheen that feels both effortless and seasonally appropriate.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These shoes are great for travelers who want easy slip-on convenience without compromising on their style.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Offering running commentary on depositions outside of the courtroom risks compromising witness testimony, affecting the integrity of evidence review, and impacting ongoing judicial proceedings.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The image was captured shortly after Earth's curved inner shadow began its slow journey across the lunar disk, darkening the lunar seas sprawling across the western portion of its surface.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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Smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away, darkening the sky.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Perched between China and India, the country of 30 million people has been plagued for decades by political instability, crippling a largely agrarian economy and worsening unemployment – structural issues compounded by rampant corruption.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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So, in June last year, the president seized the moment by crippling Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Marring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marring. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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