Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for taint.
Definitions

taint

[teynt] / teɪnt /
NOUN
contamination, corruption
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blemish stigma
STRONG
blot contagion defect disgrace dishonor fault flaw infection pollution shame smear spot stain
WEAK
black mark
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage benefit blank cleanliness esteem honor perfection respect strength
VERB
dirty, contaminate; ruin
Synonyms
STRONGEST
besmirch blight cloud corrupt damage discredit harm hurt infect muddy poison pollute smear spoil stain sully tar tarnish
STRONG
adulterate blacken blemish blot blur brand cook crumble cut debase decay decompose defile deprave discolor disgrace dishonor disintegrate doctor foul putrefy rot shame soil spike stigmatize trash turn water
WEAK
break down cast a slur crud up give a bad name water down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist benefit bless clean cleanse fix help honor improve mend purify
STRONG
beautify build clarify clear combine develop enhance esteem flourish grow praise put together respect unite upgrade
WEAK
right

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.

Meghan had divorced a talent manager in 2014, a taint on her résumé from The Firm’s perspective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

He also voiced concern that the draft lottery debate could "negatively taint the whole effort".

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

And it’s all too easy to accidentally taint a drop of blood at home.

From Slate • May 28, 2025

Hinch deserves the asterisk removed from his name for the taint of the cheating scandal because he was a minor player and has owned his part in what happened.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2025

She was sensible enough to sit out jitterbug numbers and avoid music with a South American taint, and Henry said when she learned to talk and dance at the same time she’d be a hit.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

Vocabulary lists containing taint

Metaphors from Top AP English Exam Novels

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Monster

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!