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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stain
Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
The district attorney’s office was headed by Harry Connick Sr., whose 30-year tenure was stained by accusations of racial bias.
—Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2025
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
The Zen uses solid pine wood with a walnut stain finish.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stain
Verb
One man had scratch marks on his face and neck, his legs and feet stained with blood.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
The district attorney’s office was headed by Harry Connick Sr., whose 30-year tenure was stained by accusations of racial bias.
—Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
On the other hand, traditional stains can lack hydration or luster—leaving lips parched and in need of a balmy top coat.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
The Zen uses solid pine wood with a walnut stain finish.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stain
Verb
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Buggs’ public defender also suggested that Alameda County prosecutors’ case was tainted by that bias.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
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That Anniston’s offer is tainted is a given; that Charles is making a deal with a very bad man is obvious.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Always willing to suffer for the cause, Silverman was sentenced to eight days in the clink for refusing to pay a small fine levied after he was caught illegally painting a cycle lane on a residential street.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Instead of listening, her mother-in-law dismissed every point and painted herself as a victim.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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Some were prosthetic buttocks, but others were people’s own buttocks, but in various states, like dirtied down and with partial covering.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Red Wine or Dark-Colored Food Stains As quickly as possible, lift away any solids and blot, blot, blot away the moisture.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with cold water, then blot with a fresh sponge.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Aveda Botanical Repair Purple Toning Shampoo keeps your color cool with purple pigments that instantly tone down yellow and orange hues.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
10 Sep. 2025
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Reduces Inflammation Beets are a concentrated source of plant pigments called betalains.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Boy Meets World — Savage’s comedy legacy has been marred by multiple misconduct allegations over the years.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Holes marred the walls in the kitchen under the dish machine, dry storage and dish storage rooms.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Shades of Paula Abdul colored the song as Doja sashayed across the stage with her feathery vocals.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Her attraction to coloring books presaged her minimal style.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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High-Heat-Safe Alternatives While enameled cast-iron cookware is excellent to use for braising, roasting, baking, or gentle stovetop cooking, certain high heat applications like searing steak or blackening fish are best done in other types of pans, like traditional cast iron or stainless steel.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
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Her boyfriend had hit her hard enough to blacken her eye.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stain. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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