1
as in to taint
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
her poor choice of companions stained her reputation somewhat
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to paint
to give color or a different color to
stained the table to look like cherry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dirty
to make dirty
oil stained his work pants
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blot
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the stain of this cowardly act would haunt him for the rest of his career
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stain
Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
When harvesting the nuts, pickers should wear gloves to protect their hands from the walnuts' juice, which will stain hands.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
The bottom line Florida State’s record says 3-3, but because of the program reputation this record feels like a stain, something much worse.
—D’joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stain
Verb
Wood floors that have been stained in interesting patterns create a sense of architecture and rhythm, bridge traditional elements with modern ones, and can even help a space feel larger.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
When harvesting the nuts, pickers should wear gloves to protect their hands from the walnuts' juice, which will stain hands.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
Soak for the same length of time and gently rub the fibers together to release dirt and tough stains.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
The bottom line Florida State’s record says 3-3, but because of the program reputation this record feels like a stain, something much worse.
—D’joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stain
Verb
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That means Zaha will be suspended for Game 1 of the playoffs against NYCFC, which tainted an otherwise near-perfect evening for the home team.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
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In its new filing, Mangione’s defense team expressed concern about tainting the pool of prospective jurors.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But for the first six weeks of this 49ers’ season, that art has looked more like a toddler’s finger-painting project.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
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When the sheet was pulled off of Thomas’ pillar, Smith reached her hand, her nails painted in Broncos’ colors, to the bronze bust of her son’s face.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At Dilara Findikoglu, models looked like ladies in waiting that had risen from the dead; wearing antiquated corsetry that was dirtied and torn.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
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As more success suddenly comes his way, McKinstry has remained the same, friendly and chuckling at his locker, dirtying his jersey and pestering opponents on the field.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Use a clean cloth to gently blot at the area without rubbing, which can damage carpet fibers.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
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Caring for wicker can often feel impossible (so many divots to dust), but this coffee table is easy; just blot and wipe it with a damp cloth to keep it looking pristine for many pollen seasons to come.—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In it, Sierra Munoz, the outreach program coordinator at the Marine Science Center, explained that Jackie’s coloring is due to a pigment compound called astaxanthin.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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Gilbert’s syndrome is not a liver disease, but does mean that the organ has trouble processing bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Though his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, including another 1,400-yard rushing season in 2015, it was also marred by injuries and off-field challenges.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
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But the country’s industrial innovation has also been marred by production overcapacity.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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America Great Again agenda continues to color outside the lines of the Republican agenda and takes up causes traditionally championed by some Democrats.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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The seven rooms have white and oat-colored linens and raffia lampshades, and many have freestanding tubs.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Wait until the first frost when the foliage has turned brown, wilted, or mushy and the stems have blackened.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
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Trader Joe’s Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettuccine alfredo is also on the list but only affects four states – Texas not included.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stain. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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