tarnish

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.

For better or worse, the government can tarnish a defendant’s reputation by releasing investigative materials that make them look guilty in the absence of a guilty verdict.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2026

Cindy Capely, a 38-year-old nursing assistant at Saturday’s rally, said Bardella and other politicians were probably afraid their presence could tarnish their image.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

"This truth cannot be changed by attempts to rewrite history and tarnish and devalue the struggle of the people of Kosovo for freedom."

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

While he said he understood Wetherspoon wanting to crack down on dogs who are misbehaving in its pubs, he added: "Why tarnish all assistance dog users with that brush?"

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

The weather was getting colder and wetter, the nights darker, but no amount of mud, wind, or rain could tarnish Harry’s wonderful vision of finally winning the huge, silver Quidditch Cup.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling