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Synonyms

blacken

American  
[blak-uhn] / ˈblæk ən /

verb (used with object)

blackens, present (3rd person singular) blackened, past participle, past blackening present participle
  1. to make black; darken.

  2. to speak evil of; defame.

    to blacken a person's reputation.

    Synonyms:
    calumniate, traduce, libel, slander, smear, denigrate

verb (used without object)

blackens, present (3rd person singular) blackened, past participle, past blackening present participle
  1. to grow or become black.

blacken British  
/ ˈblækən /

verb

  1. to make or become black or dirty

  2. (tr) to defame; slander (esp in the phrase blacken someone's name )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of blacken

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at black, -en 1

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.

They retained Malcolm Blacken as their senior director of player development to help introduce new players to the area and support them when needed.

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2022

Mr. Blacken and Mr. Steinberg both said that because of an athlete’s position, players are often approached by those looking for money.

From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2022

"We do have a team psychologist and she’s available, as well as not just myself but position coaches, coordinators and Malcolm Blacken, who is our director of player development. … We’re there for them."

From Fox News • Dec. 30, 2021

During the draft process, Washington interviewed Charles at the combine and later had senior director of player development Malcolm Blacken conduct one final background check a week before the draft.

From Washington Times • May 18, 2020

Blacken one box in the flame of an oil lamp.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education

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