tarnish Synonyms

tarnish Meaning

Wordnet

tarnish (n)

discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation

Wordnet

tarnish (v)

make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

Webster

tarnish (a.)

To soil, or change the appearance of, especially by an alternation induced by the air, or by dust, or the like; to diminish, dull, or destroy the luster of; to sully; as, to tarnish a metal; to tarnish gilding; to tarnish the purity of color.

Webster

tarnish (v. i.)

To lose luster; to become dull; as, gilding will tarnish in a foul air.

Webster

tarnish (n.)

The quality or state of being tarnished; stain; soil; blemish.

A thin film on the surface of a metal, usually due to a slight alteration of the original color; as, the steel tarnish in columbite.

tarnish Sentence Examples

  1. The silver cup had tarnished over time, losing its once-pristine luster.
  2. The statue's bronze exterior had tarnished, giving it a dull and weathered appearance.
  3. The reputation of the politician tarnished after a series of scandals.
  4. Years of neglect had allowed the paint on the house to tarnish, revealing the faded wood beneath.
  5. The once-bright gold necklace had tarnished, indicating its age and exposure to elements.
  6. The tarnished brass knob turned with difficulty, creaking in protest.
  7. The tarnished silver earrings were barely recognizable, their intricate designs obscured.
  8. The tarnished mirror reflected a distorted and faded image, a reminder of time's passage.
  9. The tarnished reputation of the company made it difficult to attract new customers.
  10. The tarnished paint on the car's hood hinted at its many years on the road.

FAQs About the word tarnish

discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation, make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphoricallyTo soil, or change the appearance of, e

darken, stain, mar, poison, spoil,taint,touch, blemish, discredit, besmirch

cleanse, purify, elevate, cleanse,purify, elevate, dignify, glorify, uplift,glorify

The silver cup had tarnished over time, losing its once-pristine luster.

The statue's bronze exterior had tarnished, giving it a dull and weathered appearance.

The reputation of the politician tarnished after a series of scandals.

Years of neglect had allowed the paint on the house to tarnish, revealing the faded wood beneath.