tarnishes

verb

present tense third-person singular of tarnish
as in taints
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable a false accusation that nonetheless tarnished her reputation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tarnishes Nothing tarnishes a league’s integrity more than a player or coach of that league gambling on it. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 Real silver also tarnishes over time, so older silver without any tarnish can be a red flag. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 4 May 2026 This translated into a lot of polishing, as silver tarnishes pretty quickly when it’s exposed to things like air and water thanks to a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur gases in the environment. — Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 Crowe believes that Maximus fathering a son with a woman other than his wife tarnishes his character's legacy, as the gladiator's primary motivation in the original film is to avenge the deaths of his wife and son. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025 Ana Luisa Tired of budget-friendly jewelry that tarnishes after just a few wears? — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tarnishes
  1. taints
  2. mars
  3. spoils
  4. darkens
  5. poisons
  6. stains
Verb
  • That’s been an idiotic trope for too long — that participating in the business side of it taints you.
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • The sarcasm taints the question but doesn’t invalidate it.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of taints
Verb
  • Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Jacob Whitehead Homophobic chant mars Mexico’s win Before the World Cup, the Mexican football federation launched a campaign that featured the heroes of the country’s 1986 World Cup side.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of mars
Verb
  • This post spoils the entirety of Sterling Point, which is now streaming on Prime Video.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The fruit spoils quickly, so it is often sold frozen or as juice, puree, or powder.
    — Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 30 July 2026
Definition of spoils
Verb
  • During totality, the sky darkens significantly, temperatures drop and bright stars and planets can even become visible.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Continue cooking until butter begins to smell nutty and darkens in color.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of darkens
Verb
  • Any infection can progress to a systemic disease that poisons the blood and body.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Despite her initial disinterest, Kara develops a personal stake when Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), the one who killed Ruthye's parents and brother, poisons her dog Krypto.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026
Definition of poisons
Verb
  • The self-tan wipes are easy to apply and contain exfoliating acids that smooth the skin, plus encapsulated DHA (the ingredient that stains the skin) to leave behind a radiant tan.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Homemade plum compote stains the filling with a vibrant red ribbon.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of stains

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tarnishes
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Cite this Entry

“Tarnishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tarnishes. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tarnishes

Nglish: Translation of tarnishes for Spanish Speakers

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