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Showing results for tarnish. Search instead for tarnishab.
Definitions

tarnish

[tahr-nish] / ˈtɑr nɪʃ /
VERB
dirty, corrupt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
damage defame dim dull embarrass harm hurt impair mar muddy pollute smear spoil stain sully taint tar
STRONG
befoul begrime blacken blemish blot contaminate darken defile discolor disgrace grime injure pale rust slander smudge soil spot vitiate
WEAK
lose luster lose shine
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist benefit clean fix heal help improve mend please
STRONG
beautify brighten cure honor lighten praise purify whiten
WEAK
polish uncorrupt

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.

Cervantes further alleges that unknown parties within the Sacramento Police Department leaked news of her arrest to the press in a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The disclosures threaten to tarnish the image of the British monarchy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 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

Peter doesn't want what happened to him to tarnish the reputation of the Tobago and feels he has no cause to be scared.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

Oh, she’d keep their secrets; it would tarnish her reputation otherwise.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas