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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dirty
to make dirty
oil stained his work pants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 21 May 2025
And Eugene returns home the same way that Joel will in a few short months: wrapped in cloth and strapped to a travois, blood from his wound staining the white fabric.
—EW.com, 19 May 2025
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Add shelves, apply stains, paint, and customize it even more to give yourself a unique backyard getaway.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stain
Verb
Later, before the funeral, the child's father, Mahmoud, kisses his son’s feet, the white shroud stained with bright-red blood.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 21 May 2025
And Eugene returns home the same way that Joel will in a few short months: wrapped in cloth and strapped to a travois, blood from his wound staining the white fabric.
—EW.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
Buy a set of new cushions for a tired outdoor couch or use a colorful tablecloth to hide stains on a table.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Add shelves, apply stains, paint, and customize it even more to give yourself a unique backyard getaway.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stain
Verb
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Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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White died nine days later on Nov. 21 The best friend of a British woman who died after drinking alcohol that authorities suspect was tainted with methanol while visiting Laos is speaking out.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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However, a second source close to Justin painted a different picture of their lives.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
3 June 2025
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But compelling as the narrative may be at first blush, the realities on the ground—and in the supply chain—paint a far more complex picture.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Crème Brûlée Steve Granitz Crème brûlée is like butter blonde, but dirtied up a bit for a browned, warm tint.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
2 May 2025
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He’s come through with timely hits, dirtied his uniform on the bases and made an impact with his arm in the outfield.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Vietnam is a wound for many Americans: a bloody quagmire, a blot on our conscience, a war that claimed more than 58,000 American lives and shattered faith at home in the good intentions of the government.—
Leo Tran,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2025
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Finally, blot the eyebrows dry with a cotton pad or tissue, and voila!—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On the other hand, bright colors, such as red, purple, or green, indicate added pigments, which Erdle says are not inherently unsafe but may not be well-regulated in low-quality products.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2025
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Martin loves it for its soft yet bright pigment that adds a pop of color on the cheek without looking too powdery on top of foundation.—
Audrey Noble,
Glamour,
5 June 2025
Verb
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However, relatively decent growth fueled by Putin's record military spending has been marred by inflation and a worker shortage impacted by those fleeing the draft and troop losses in Ukraine as experts warn of longer terms problems for the economy.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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Lynch’s first winter as CEO was marred by long lift lines and employee shortages driven by COVID-19.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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A bit of nostalgia also colors their upcoming live shows, as the six-week tour will spotlight openers The Coral Reefer Band, the beloved touring and recording outfit of Jimmy Buffett, who died in 2023.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
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It's advised to find a viewing area that's far away from city lights and other forms of light pollution that have the potential to drown out the hues that color the night.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Some of the jewel beetle wings had their original green-yellow-red hues while others had blackened.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
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If a vigorous plant begins to blacken at the top or whole branches are dying back, this is a sign that something is wrong.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stain. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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