sully
verb (used with object)
to soil, stain, or tarnish.
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.
"This summit does not dignify anyone, rather, it dirties them, it sullies them. We Latin Americans have to defend ourselves so that they respect us."
From Reuters ● May 19, 2022
Trivializing the suffering of those targeted for extermination by comparing it to modern-day difficulties sullies the memory of the victims.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2022
The least important is the structure itself, unless it sullies the site it occupies and increases the indebtedness of the people it serves.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2020
No such fluff sullies the lexicon of Burke’s latest character.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 16, 2019
On the mountains is freedom! the breath of decay Never sullies the fresh flowing air; Oh, Nature is perfect wherever we stray; 'Tis man that deforms it with care.
From The Bride of Messina, and On the Use of the Chorus in Tragedy by Friedrich Schiller
