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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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 Both residents and politicians feared the court ruling would tarnish Kosovo’s independence struggle. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Both residents and politicians fear the court ruling would tarnish Kosovo's independence struggle. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026 For one Kansas City coffee shop, a video tarnishing the establishment ended up being a blessing in disguise. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026 Those coatings are why most manufacturers recommend using a soft microfiber cloth for cleaning since other items, like a Magic Eraser, can tarnish those coatings. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tarnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarnish

Verb

Or has dance music’s bad rap — as fun but vacuous and unserious — tainted the current version of the genre?

— Rachel Narozniak, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026
That means if the sewage system backs up, the sink could be tainted.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of taint

Verb

Mass protests in France are often marred by violence on the fringes of otherwise peaceful marches, leading to clashes with police.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
There were also parts that were not as successful — mainly the parts marred by his physical unreadiness.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of mar

Verb

There has been no more satisfying slap in cinema this year than the one Erika lands on a smug German actor, leading to a wicked punchline that shouldn’t be spoiled.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Anthony Edwards hit nine 3-pointers and scored 45 points to join an elite club; LaMelo Ball scored 21 in his Minnesota debut, and the Timberwolves spoiled Giannis Antetokounmpo's first game with Miami by beating the Heat 131-106 on Wednesday night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of spoil

Verb

Tips To Keep Your Sink Clean Longer Rinse the sink after every use to get rid of food debris that can cause odors, get rid of soap scum, and reduce staining.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026
Bookshelves are crammed with novels and almanacs, the wood boards of the ceilings stained dark in delicious contrast to the clean white walls and creamy linen furnishings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of stain

Verb

What researchers uncovered through lab testing and surveillance footage, prosecutors said, was a plot by his fellow graduate student to intentionally poison him.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
May says national polarization is poisoning the atmosphere locally.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of poison

Verb

Abdalla’s fall refresh enhances her brunette base by darkening her roots and replacing those golden ribbons with warm brunette tones for lived-in dimension.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026
Instead, the surrounding sky darkens, increasing the contrast until the pale daytime moon seems to switch on at dusk and grow increasingly brilliant.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of darken

Browse Nearby Words

tarn

tarnish

tarnished

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“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarnish. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tarnish

verb

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