Sully: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe the act of damaging the purity or integrity of something, particularly a reputation. It has a negative connotation.

• His actions have sullied his good name
• The scandal sullied the company's image

Mostly used to talk about losing luster or shine, particularly metal, but also can refer to damaging someone's reputation over time. It has a negative connotation.

• Silverware tarnishes if not polished regularly
• His actions have tarnished his legacy

Often used to describe leaving a mark that is hard to remove, especially on fabric or surfaces. Also used metaphorically for damaging someone's reputation or honor.

• The wine left a stain on the carpet
• The scandal left a stain on his career

Commonly used to mention a small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something, particularly skin or an object. It can also metaphorically refer to a minor flaw or imperfection in someone's character.

• The mirror had a small blemish
• Despite his achievements, a single blemish tainted his career

This term is used when talking about desecrating or making something filthy, especially in a sacred or respected context. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• The vandals defiled the church
• She felt as though the argument had defiled their friendship

Used to describe the act of contaminating or making something dirty, typically referring to the environment, but it can also be used metaphorically.

• Factories that pollute the air and water
• Don't let negative thoughts pollute your mind

Typically used to describe tarnishing someone's reputation or something's purity. It has a negative connotation.

• False accusations can sully a person’s good name.
• The scandal has sullied the company's image.

Commonly used to describe something that has become unclean. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations.

• His clothes became dirty after playing in the mud.
• She didn't want to dirty her hands with dishonest work.

Describes a smeared or blurred spot, often created by rubbing something wet or oily.

• She got a smudge of ink on her fingers.
• The window had a smudge from where someone had touched it.

Used to describe a small, distinct area of dirt or stain. It has a neutral connotation.

• There was a chocolate spot on his shirt.
• She noticed a spot of mud on the carpet.

Generally used to indicate a visible impression or stain on a surface. This word has a neutral connotation.

• There was a mark on the wall where the picture used to hang.
• He left a mark on the table with his pen.

Refers to a layer of dirt, often oily or sticky, that builds up on surfaces over time.

• The windows were covered in grime from years of neglect.
• After cleaning, there was still some grime left on the floor.

Sully is often used when someone's reputation or honor is damaged, especially through dishonest or immoral actions.

• His good name was sullied by the scandal.
• They sullied her reputation with false accusations.

Tarnish is generally used to describe something losing its brightness or luster, especially metals. Metaphorically, it can be used to describe damage to someone's reputation.

• The silver coin had tarnished over time.
• Years of mismanagement had tarnished the company's image.

Stain refers to a mark made on something, usually accidentally and often difficult to remove. It can be used both literally (like on fabric) and metaphorically (such as on a reputation).

• She tried to remove the wine stain from her dress.
• The scandal left a permanent stain on his legacy.

Blemish refers to a minor imperfection or flaw, both literal (like on the skin) and metaphorical (such as a slight defect in character).

• The beautiful painting had a small blemish in the corner.
• His spotless record had a single blemish from a minor incident.

Defile means to make something dirty or impure, often with a strong negative or violent connotation. It can be used for both physical and moral corruption.

• The sacred shrine was defiled by vandals.
• They accused him of attempting to defile the innocence of the community.

Pollute is used to describe the contamination of something, usually the environment, with harmful or poisonous substances.

• Factories that pollute the air should be heavily fined.
• The river was polluted by toxic waste from the plant.