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tarnished

  • past participle
    of tarnish.
    tarnish
    verb (used with object)
    to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
  • past tense form
    of tarnish.
    tarnish
    verb (used with object)
    to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.

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.

See Examples For:

"To see all this tarnished in this way is very sad," he said.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

Rights groups and election observer missions have said the post-election dispute has tarnished Zambia's democratic reputation.

From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026

I asked him if he’d seen the post Eatherly had made prior to the shooting about how his child’s mother wants to change her son’s surname because of how Chud had tarnished it.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

In a legal action, Harper could seek monetary damages by alleging that the video tarnished his reputation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Their armor, while tarnished, was well crafted from copper and leather.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas