1
as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
her poor choice of companions stained her reputation somewhat
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to paint
to give color or a different color to
stained the table to look like cherry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dirty
to make dirty
oil stained his work pants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blot
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the stain of this cowardly act would haunt him for the rest of his career
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stain
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Gooday explained that red hone is blue hone that has been stained by iron materials.
—Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
How the carpet is maybe a little bit worn and there’s a little bit of a water stain.
—Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stain
Verb
Nancy Guthrie had been missing less than three days when family members and reporters, and even an Amazon delivery worker, could be seen wandering onto her property, with drops of her blood still staining the front entryway.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Gooday explained that red hone is blue hone that has been stained by iron materials.
—Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
The company says the new fiber-detergent tiles feature a half-dozen layers of concentrated cleaning ingredients that activate in cold water to battle stains and odors while also freshening and brightening fabrics—all in one product.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
How the carpet is maybe a little bit worn and there’s a little bit of a water stain.
—Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stain
Verb
-
That means every angle needs to be screen-ready and not tainted by equipment, crew or the director.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Marchand’s answer was tainted by him being told Suzuki had been getting some criticism for how his tournament had been going.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
His office in the church is painted in deep burgundy and green, with an overstuffed couch to welcome visitors and his father’s war decorations hanging prominently.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
However, the tricolor blend of calico hair is reduced to two opposing shades, which are painted in horizontal bands across the head, in the halo aesthetic.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The adventurous actress dirties up her frock and face to play the village pariah, who reeks of fish and would be no man’s idea of a suitable wife, except perhaps the one-eyed bum who sleeps in the town square.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Dip a microfiber cloth in the paste and blot the stain.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Using a slotted spoon, remove the meringues, blot on paper towels, and transfer to a large plate.—
Daniel Boulud,
Saveur,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Its creamy pigment comes in eight shades, including hard-to-find auburn, and glides easily onto the brow.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Armani Beauty has also introduced 18 new shades featuring ultramarine and green pigments, which are better suited for deep and tan skin tones, bringing its range to 44 diverse offerings.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The abrupt withdrawal of Microsoft's co-founder dealt a fresh blow to a flagship event already marred by organizational lapses, a robot row and complaints of traffic chaos.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But more recently, Clark’s tenure has been marred by dissent and distractions.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Over the years, my father heard how their confidence was shattered the moment the outside world reminded them that, in its eyes, they were colored, too.—
Dorothy Roberts,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Musicians live really complicated lives — performing late at night, for instance, colors your day-to-day existence.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
-
And Hanceville’s fate is as murky as the fog that pours in at night, blotting out buildings and blackening the road ahead.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stain. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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