blacken

1 of 2

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

blackener

2 of 2

noun

black·​en·​er ˈblak-nər 

ˈbla-kə-

plural -s

: a leather worker that brushes blackening compound onto the grain side of tanned hides

called also blacker

Synonyms of blacken

Verb

• stain
• dirty
• besmirch
• sully

Examples of blacken in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Leaves and buds that are bitten by frost will blacken and shrivel, sometimes all over the plant. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 June 2026

The shrimp basket at B&J's Steak and Seafood includes a half pound of shrimp fried, grilled, blackened or boiled. —Bill Dawers - For The Ajc, AJC.com, 2 June 2026

The wrap varieties are differentiated by the sauce, which comes in classic, spicy, or blackened Ranch flavors. —Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Inside, boards blackened by smoke and sweat, the air sweet with cane and forgetting. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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