: something that tarnishes
especially
: a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (such as silver)
Synonyms
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
Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 1 July 2024
Simpson is still remembered by many for his accomplishments in football and his likable, charismatic persona, both of which were tarnished by the murder of his ex-wife and her friend.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024
Jan Soults Walker, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
But the multi-hyphenate isn't going to let strangers on the internet tarnish her self-esteem and body image.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tarnish 
Verb
But tensions remain as the legislative body clashes with the mayor amid concern expressed by some residents that the city's image has been tarnished by the infighting.
—Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 1 July 2024
Simpson is still remembered by many for his accomplishments in football and his likable, charismatic persona, both of which were tarnished by the murder of his ex-wife and her friend.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024
Noun
Continue cleaning with lemon and salt until the tarnish is gone.
—Jan Soults Walker, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
But the multi-hyphenate isn't going to let strangers on the internet tarnish her self-esteem and body image.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tarnish
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tarnish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tarnish
Cite this Entry
“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarnish. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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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