blacken

verb

black·​en ˈbla-kən 

blackened; blackening

ˈblak-niŋ,

ˈbla-kə- 

intransitive verb

: to become dark or black

the sky blackens

transitive verb

1

: to make black

2

: defame, sully

blackened her reputation

blackener

ˈblak-nər

ˈbla-kə- 

noun

Synonyms

• befoul
• begrime
• bemire
• besmirch
• daub
• dirty
• distain [archaic]
• foul
• gaum [dialect]
• grime
• mire
• muck
• muddy
• smirch
• smudge
• soil
• stain
• sully

Examples of blacken in a Sentence

Fire had blackened the field.

The sky blackened as the storm approached.

Their false accusations failed to blacken my reputation.

a presidency blackened by scandal

Recent Examples on the Web

Juicy, whole lobster served grilled or blackened is best, though the menu at this famous haunt features every possible elaboration of the dish. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025

Photo : Andrew Pogue The compact kitchen sports blackened stainless-steel counters. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025

Adkins also found a removable tin bowl nestled inside—blackened with soot, likely from cooking over an open flame. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025

In an area where fish dip, blackened fish sandwiches and Key lime pie reign supreme, this is a new level of dining in the Florida Keys thanks to Chef Jeremy Ford. —Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English blaknen, blakenen, from blak black entry 1 + -n, -en -en entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for blacken

• bracken
• lakin
• slacken

Kids Definition

blacken

verb

black·​en ˈblak-ən 

blackened; blackening ˈblak-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become dark or black

2

: to hurt the reputation of

blackener

-(ə-)nər 

noun