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tarnish

[tahr-nish] / ˈtɑr nɪʃ /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Holt—who is set to graduate next month and attend graduate school at Boston University—worries Hampshire’s closure might tarnish her academic record in the eyes of employers and others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Cervantes further alleges that unknown parties within the Sacramento Police Department leaked news of her arrest to the press in a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Shares of gold miners have been in the dumps this month, as investors have expressed fears over how the Iran war will tarnish the value of the precious metal.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

"This truth cannot be changed by attempts to rewrite history and tarnish and devalue the struggle of the people of Kosovo for freedom."

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

Oh, she’d keep their secrets; it would tarnish her reputation otherwise.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas




Vocabulary lists containing tarnish