sully

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.

None of the high-born men he knows would sully their steel in the name of protecting the innocent.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Macron almost immediately responded on X: "Shame on those who wanted to sully his memory," he wrote.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

He feels waiting any longer would just sully his father’s name.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2024

But cars—even electric cars—also sully our planet in other ways, like the constant rubbing of tires against pavement.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2023

He noticed it also and very carefully moved away so that my jacket would not sully his.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela