TARNISH Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

tarnish

verb

ˈtär-nish

Definition of tarnish

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of tarnish Democratic leaders fear that the outlier opinions favoring police defunding may again tarnish the party's brand and sink its chances of gaining ground in Congress, governor's mansions and statehouses nationwide. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Democratic leaders fear that the outlier opinions favoring police defunding may again tarnish the party’s brand and sink its chances of gaining ground in Congress, governor’s mansions and statehouses nationwide. — Matt Brown, Fortune, 31 July 2026 The Michigan brand is built out of titanium, but even titanium can tarnish. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Williams, who had filed counterclaims against Baumgarten for allegedly making false and defamatory statements about her and tarnishing her reputation, also voluntarily dismissed her suit at the same time. — Catherine Muccigrosso july 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tarnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarnish

Verb

But just the name alone, Abdul, some people are very tainted by the stereotypes.

— Sam Gringlas, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Attorneys could argue the jury pool is tainted or a new panel could similarly be subject to intimidation in Plymouth County if Clancy is tried there a second time.

— Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of taint

Verb

Another interesting option is Yetur Gross-Matos, whose recent stint with the 49ers was marred by a knee issue.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The latter track takes overt inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette, as Jepsen beckons her love to engage in life’s vices with her, like marring bedsheets with fruit stains and dashing nude through the garden.

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of mar

Verb

David Szondy/New Atlas The main drawback of all this is that paratroopers must still be dropped from an aircraft, which is often visible enough to spoil the whole stealth thing.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
To say more about director George Roy Hill’s remarkably gratifying thriller would risk spoiling it.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of spoil

Verb

The case has attracted widespread attention because the nature of Fortune’s death recalled lynchings in the Southern state, which has a tumultuous civil rights history stained by episodes of racial violence.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
More rubbing produces mahogany, tan and brown hues, caused by staining from contact with vegetation.

— Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of stain

Verb

Over the course of Exile, one of Loktev’s subjects is poisoned; another receives a five-year prison sentence in absentia.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
This is the league, remember, where a man (Harvey Updyke) confessed to poisoning the trees at Auburn on a radio show after Alabama lost to the Tigers, and a coach (Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State) castrated a bull to motivate his squad.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of poison

Verb

Some woods are very photosensitive, like cherry and walnut, but cherry darkens with sun exposure while walnut fades.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026
China’s growth target is already its lowest since 1991, and the economic picture is darkened further by a real estate downturn that is straining local government finances and undercutting spending capacity, Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of darken

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tarnish

tarnished

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“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarnish. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tarnish

verb

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