stain

[steyn] / steɪn /

NOUN

spot of dirt, blot, bar

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blemish blotch color dye smudge speck splotch stigma tint

STRONG

blur brand discoloration disgrace dishonor drip infamy mottle odium onus reproach shame slur smirch spatter spot

WEAK

black eye ink spot sinister

Antonyms

STRONG

approval benefit esteem honor praise respect

WEAK

blank cleanliness

VERB

dirty, taint

Synonyms

STRONGEST

besmirch blacken contaminate daub discolor dye smear smudge sully tar tarnish tint

STRONG

animalize bastardize bestialize blemish blot brutalize color corrupt debase debauch defile demoralize deprave disgrace mark pervert soil spot tinge

WEAK

drag through the mud

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bleach clean whiten

STRONG

beautify cleanse honor improve moralize pale praise purify upgrade value

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She, along with her supervisor, Sam Smith, developed the water and stain repellent Scotchgard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

She describes it as "an unnecessary stain" on their legacy.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

It was an experience that left an indelible stain on his psyche.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

He knew that slavery would be a permanent stain on his reputation.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2026

She pointed to a stain on her scarf.

From "Case of the Sneaky Snowman: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #5" by Carolyn Keene