tarnish
verb (used with object)
to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
tarnished
-
past participleof tarnish.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof tarnish.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
tarnishverb (used with object)to dull the luster of (a metallic surface), especially by oxidation; discolor.
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.
Even in its tarnished state, silver is breathtaking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026
Rights groups and election observer missions have said the post-election dispute has tarnished Zambia's democratic reputation.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
I asked him if he’d seen the post Eatherly had made prior to the shooting about how his child’s mother wants to change her son’s surname because of how Chud had tarnished it.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
In a legal action, Harper could seek monetary damages by alleging that the video tarnished his reputation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
The water was the color of tarnished silver.
From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin
