1
as in blots
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the stain of this cowardly act would haunt him for the rest of his career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in taints
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
her poor choice of companions stained her reputation somewhat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in paints
to give color or a different color to
stained the table to look like cherry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in smudges
to make dirty
oil stained his work pants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stains
Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
Stains Shaving cream can also be an effective tool for spot-cleaning stains.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
The reason for using them is that the stains show.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Some helpful home tips include using lemons to neutralize odor from kitty litter boxes and cutting boards, freshen fridges, remove stains from clothing and coffee mugs, and polish stainless pots and pans to a dazzling sparkle.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Baking soda and vinegar sprays handle odors and stains without harsh chemicals, which can actually worsen allergy symptoms for some people.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
The pants featured an unusual dark brown splotch print that looked almost like stains.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Baking soda and white vinegar sprays can handle odors and light stains without introducing harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive airways.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Spot Treat Stains Before You Deep Clean For everyday stains, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Every failure of the state now stains the turban as well as the uniform.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
The piercing doesn't necessarily damage the trees, but their excrement, which is high in sugar, stains the trees and blocks photosynthesis, which eventually suffocates the trees, the researchers said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2026
This mixture attacks stains a bit stronger than the water solution.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
Season with salt and lots of pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until the turmeric stains the mixture a wonderful golden color and the liquid starts to steam, about 3 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Blood still regularly stains the floors of the Coliseum’s rings.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
For the frame, wipe any stains with cold water.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
Stains Shaving cream can also be an effective tool for spot-cleaning stains.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
The reason for using them is that the stains show.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Some helpful home tips include using lemons to neutralize odor from kitty litter boxes and cutting boards, freshen fridges, remove stains from clothing and coffee mugs, and polish stainless pots and pans to a dazzling sparkle.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Baking soda and vinegar sprays handle odors and stains without harsh chemicals, which can actually worsen allergy symptoms for some people.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
The pants featured an unusual dark brown splotch print that looked almost like stains.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Baking soda and white vinegar sprays can handle odors and light stains without introducing harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive airways.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Spot Treat Stains Before You Deep Clean For everyday stains, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
What Sacks doesn’t get is that by financing and diplomatically supporting Israel, our country makes the crimes of the Israeli government possible, which stains America’s reputation in the world and drains our Treasury.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Every failure of the state now stains the turban as well as the uniform.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
The piercing doesn't necessarily damage the trees, but their excrement, which is high in sugar, stains the trees and blocks photosynthesis, which eventually suffocates the trees, the researchers said.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2026
This mixture attacks stains a bit stronger than the water solution.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
Season with salt and lots of pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until the turmeric stains the mixture a wonderful golden color and the liquid starts to steam, about 3 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Blood still regularly stains the floors of the Coliseum’s rings.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stains
Noun
-
The songs spread outward from Morris’ small voice like paper towel blots.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beets are also known for their high betalain content, the pigments responsible for their deep red color.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
13 Apr. 2026
-
High octane-pigments, gemstone appliqués, and iridescent sparkle across the eyes, lips, and bridge of the nose define the contemporary trend for playful, expressive makeup.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The sarcasm taints the question but doesn’t invalidate it.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The film centered on the Environmental Protection Agency encasing the Simpsons’ hometown of Springfield in a dome after Homer taints the area’s water supply.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After his death while attempting a wingsuit flight in 2015, his friends began putting together footage that paints a portrait of a complex man.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Filled with music, color and passion, the drama paints a picture of a group of artists and friends for whom creativity has become a form of survival.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cleaning dirt and smudges off window glass helps sunlight penetrate into your home and will boost the amount of light that’s available to your houseplants.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There’s still much to discover about the biology underlying these distinctions, but research suggests that hormonal fluctuations throughout life, differences in upper airway anatomy, and even social stigmas about how women should sleep are likely at play.—
Katie Camero,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2026
-
On April 9, 1987, Princess Diana made history and broke stigmas by shaking hands with a man diagnosed with HIV without wearing gloves.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In response to the Food and Drug Administration's ruling to stop using some artificial dyes, Gatorade is also removing artificial colors from Gatorade Zero Powder, Gatorade Thirst Quencher Powder, and Gatorlyte Powder later this spring, Del Pozzo confirmed.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Look for arnica gels formulated without dyes, fragrances and parabens, which are chemical preservatives.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sensing Scarlet’s resolve to destroy him, Claudius poisons her.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stains. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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