sully
verb (used with object)
to soil, stain, or tarnish.
have sullied
-
present perfectof sully.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.
The stampede resulted in several injured spectators and is commonly thought to have sullied rugby’s reputation within the International Olympic Committee.
From Slate ● Jul. 26, 2021
Dreaming up their material lives through the fateful years that followed would have sullied the idyllic “ever and ever” he’d suggested at the close of his book.
From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2021
Unfortunately, few have sullied many, and we’re still possibly months away from any sort of resolution.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 20, 2019
Now, consider the practitioners of hate who have sullied the pages of history.
From Salon ● Nov. 19, 2018
Misfortune, had he lived, could hereafter have sullied his glory only with those superficial minds, who, believing that character and actions are marked by success alone, rarely deserve to enjoy it.
From Life and Times of Washington, Volume 2 Revised, Enlarged, and Enriched by Schroeder, John Frederick
