as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
a false accusation that nonetheless tarnished her reputation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tarnish
Owner-chairman Tony Bloom’s worldwide data bank has helped Brighton make some shrewd deals, but has their strong trading reputation been tarnished during the first two years of Hurzeler’s reign?
—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
Throughout this process, innocent people had their reputations unfairly tarnished.
—
Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Throughout this process, innocent people had their reputations unfairly tarnished.
—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
12 June 2026
District Attorney Gary Pasqua stated that Snow admitted to plotting a scheme to tarnish SUNY Potsdam's reputation, intending to harm a former co-worker, who was employed at the school at the time, by randomly targeting one of its students.
—
Corin Cesaric,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tarnish
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
Throughout this process, innocent people had their reputations unfairly tarnished.
—
Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Throughout this process, innocent people had their reputations unfairly tarnished.
—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
12 June 2026
District Attorney Gary Pasqua stated that Snow admitted to plotting a scheme to tarnish SUNY Potsdam's reputation, intending to harm a former co-worker, who was employed at the school at the time, by randomly targeting one of its students.
—
Corin Cesaric,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tarnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarnish
Verb
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Thursday’s study is not the first indication that social media may be tainting people’s views on sunscreen and sun safety.
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Troupis and Roman both filed motions seeking to relocate the trial from Dane County, which includes Madison, to neighboring Jefferson County, saying negative publicity had tainted the potential jury pool.
Verb
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The Toronto Blue Jays' 2026 season has been marred by injuries, with veteran pitcher Max Scherzer facing significant setbacks.
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As Bloomberg recently reported, brides are buying $14 spells from witches on Etsy to ensure that their $100,000 weddings are not marred by blizzards or downpours.
Verb
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Color Changes Foods can darken or brown slightly from exposure to oxygen rather than spoiling.
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Food and drink With 10 bars and restaurants, including the lobby cafe and one in the attached Beymen Mall, guests are spoiled for choice.
Verb
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Prosecutors said a boxcutter stained with what appeared to be blood was found in the car, and there were also possible bloodstains found on the steering wheel and exterior door.
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At the site, an Associated Press reporter saw rubble and chunks of concrete stained with blood.
Verb
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The summer blockbuster, which premieres June 26, will follow Supergirl's three-day mission to obtain a cure for her superdog and friend, Krypto, who is poisoned by villainous alien Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts).
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Last year, harmful algae blooming off Southern California poisoned hundreds of dolphins and sea lions off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, causing strandings along popular beaches.
Verb
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Today, the skies seem to be darkening once again.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarnish. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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