: something that tarnishes
especially
: a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (such as silver)
Examples of tarnish in a Sentence
Verb
Some foods will tarnish silver.
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
Noun
a polish that removes tarnish
Recent Examples on the Web
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
And Israel's international reputation has been badly tarnished by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the huge number of Palestinian civilian deaths in the territory.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025
Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Apply the paste to a soft cloth, and wipe the surface of the silver to remove tarnish.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tarnish
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Verb
Our legal system is certainly tarnished and faulty, and criminal court has never been a reliable venue of justice for women who say they were victimized by powerful men.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
And Israel's international reputation has been badly tarnished by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the huge number of Palestinian civilian deaths in the territory.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025
Noun
Full transparency will decide whether the deals endure or tarnish.
—Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Apply the paste to a soft cloth, and wipe the surface of the silver to remove tarnish.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tarnish
Cite this Entry
“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarnish. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tarnish
1 of 2 verb
tar·nish
ˈtär-nish 
1
: to make or become dull, dim, or discolored
silver tarnishes
2
: to bring disgrace or cast doubt on
tarnished the family's good name
tarnish
2 of 2 noun
: something that tarnishes
especially
: a film of chemically changed material on the surface of a metal (as silver)
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