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Synonyms

blemish

American  
[blem-ish] / ˈblɛm ɪʃ /

verb (used with object)

  1. to destroy or diminish the perfection of.

    The book is blemished by those long, ineffective descriptions.

    Synonyms:
    deface, impair, damage, mar, injure, taint, tarnish, spot, sully, stain
    Antonyms:
    repair, purify

noun

  1. a mark that detracts from appearance, as a pimple or a scar.

  2. a defect or flaw; stain; blight.

    a blemish on his record.

    Synonyms:
    taint, speck, spot, blot
blemish British  
/ ˈblɛmɪʃ /

noun

  1. a defect; flaw; stain

"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

verb

  1. (tr) to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish

"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

Related Words

See defect.

Other Word Forms

  • blemisher noun
  • unblemished adjective
  • unblemishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of blemish

1275–1325; Middle English (v.) < Anglo-French, Middle French blemiss-, long stem of ble ( s ) mir to make livid, perhaps < Old Low Franconian *blesmjan; blaze 2

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.

Martin gave his word, and breaking it is a needless distraction and blemish on the party.

From Los Angeles Times

However Lush's pay record is not without blemish.

From BBC

In perhaps the only blemish on his night, Dent logged just four assists to go with his four turnovers.

From Los Angeles Times

European champions Spain were close to joining England with a perfect campaign, but a 2-2 draw against Turkey in their final qualifying match put the only small blemish on their record.

From BBC

The former white-collar fighter - with no amateur pedigree - has stopped 19 opponents in 20 wins, with the sole blemish a thrilling draw with Clarke in March 2024.

From BBC