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Definitions

besmirch

[bih-smurch] / bɪˈsmɜrtʃ /


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.

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Steele doesn’t besmirch the data that punishes his Redhawks, but he also says “there’s something to winning.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 2, 2026

As it turns out, Murray’s story doesn’t besmirch Candy’s memory at all.

From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2025

Former treasurer and ex-ambassador to the US Joe Hockey was among those calling for the MP to be identified, on the basis that not doing so would "besmirch" all politicians.

From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2024

“And it would really besmirch the reputation of the Academies, which I felt strongly about defending.”

From New York Times ● Apr. 28, 2023

"Not bloody likely. The Long Summer will come again before that one would besmirch his precious honor."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

"Behaviour like that, whether it's at an Old Firm match or any other football match, besmirches that, and it should absolutely be seen as unacceptable."

From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2022

“All the evidence of the fancy suits really is irrelevant and besmirches the defendant.”

From Washington Post ● Aug. 2, 2018

Mud besmirches his van’s tiny, neat living space.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 6, 2018

It is unfortunate that this Times article indirectly besmirches the Yankees.

From New York Times ● Jul. 8, 2017

It may be," he replied, "because I will not encounter the dishonour that besmirches the husband of a faithless woman.

From The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

“New banks didn’t even call themselves banks and instead used the expression caisses, meaning ‘deposits,’ so besmirched was the banking industry’s reputation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025

Whitfield, who is biracial, claimed that Hassan’s comments about how she got the job on the show besmirched her merits, something that Black women often have to deal with in the workforce.

From Salon ● Feb. 12, 2025

Their besmirched clothes, blistered feet and cracked lips attested to the ordeal of the nine-day trek, but they still danced and jumped to celebrate their accomplishment.

From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2023

Securities and Exchange Commission, had wrongly besmirched Hindenburg’s “well-deserved reputation for thoroughness, precision and accuracy.”

From Reuters ● Feb. 2, 2023

Was there any kind of filth with which he had not besmirched himself, any sin and folly which he had not committed, any stain upon his soul for which he alone had not been responsible?

From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse

The businesses declared themselves outraged by the government besmirching their reputation.

From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2023

“They are targeting this officer and besmirching his reputation for following his attorney’s advice,” Tratnik argued.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 7, 2022

“She’s calling everyone I know and besmirching my name,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2022

Like, say, besmirching an evening that featured Black women making Oscars history, with Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes joining Amy Schumer as the first trio of women to host the show.

From Salon ● Mar. 28, 2022

I am reminded of words used by one of my Swiss friends: “As soon as soldiers must get their fighting force from suggestions of puerile besmirching of the enemy, then war indeed becomes intolerably base.”

From The Better Germany in War Time Being some Facts towards Fellowship by Harold W. (Harold Williams) Picton




Vocabulary lists containing besmirch


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