Besmirch: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about damaging someone's reputation or character in a deliberate and often unfair way. It has a strong, negative connotation.

• She would never besmirch her family's honor by lying.
• The scandal tried to besmirch his good name.

Used to indicate soiling or staining figuratively, by damaging someone's reputation. It has a literary tone and is less common in everyday language.

• Her involvement in the scandal could sully her otherwise clean record.
• The rumor could sully his good standing in the community.

Used to refer to a gradual decline in someone's good name, reputation, or the quality of something. It can describe both reputation and physical sheen or appearance.

• The constant accusations have started to tarnish his reputation.
• Over time, the silverware began to tarnish.

Used when attempting to harm someone’s reputation by proving that they are not trustworthy or reliable. Often used in professional or academic contexts.

• The witness's testimony was intended to discredit the defendant.
• His actions have done much to discredit the organization.

Used when tarnishing someone's reputation or character, often in a serious or formal context.

• The politician's opponents tried to besmirch his good name with false accusations.
• She refused to let anyone besmirch her family's honor.

Can refer to both tarnishing someone's reputation (often negatively) or spreading a substance over a surface to make it dirty. Common in both everyday and more serious scenarios.

• The tabloid tried to smear the celebrity with unfounded rumors.
• She smeared butter on the toast.

Usually signifies adding a small amount of a substance that leaves a noticeable mark or stain. Often used in everyday language.

• He spilled coffee and spotted his new shirt.
• After walking in the rain, her dress was spotted with mud.

Refers to marking a surface or material with a colored substance that can be difficult to remove. Can also be used metaphorically for damaging someone's reputation, though less formal than 'besmirch'.

• Red wine can easily stain your carpet.
• He was worried that the scandal might stain his otherwise spotless career.