tarnish
verb (used with object)
to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
has tarnished
-
present perfectof tarnish (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
However, Emanuel does expect increased market volatility in 2026, and he recognizes that concerns about systemic AI risk has tarnished the tech sector somewhat of late.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 29, 2025
In the years since his minor 2018 misstep “Man of the Woods,” Timberlake’s image has tarnished somewhat.
From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2024
"It has tarnished the core of me, like if you join a broken glass, there will still be cracks on it," she says.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2023
Now he is saying sorry for his part in the scandal that has tarnished Spanish soccer.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 1, 2023
And he was conscious, since he might not smile outwardly, of smiling inwardly over the ruthlessness of women towards the man, loved no longer, who has tarnished their image in their own eyes.
From The Nest, The White Pagoda, The Suicide, A Forsaken Temple, Miss Jones and The Masterpiece by Anne Douglas Sedgwick
