taint

[teynt] / teɪnt /

NOUN

contamination, corruption

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blemish stigma

STRONG

blot contagion defect disgrace dishonor fault flaw infection pollution shame smear spot stain

WEAK

black mark

Antonyms

STRONG

advantage benefit blank cleanliness esteem honor perfection respect strength

VERB

dirty, contaminate; ruin

Synonyms

STRONGEST

besmirch blight cloud corrupt damage discredit harm hurt infect muddy poison pollute smear spoil stain sully tar tarnish

STRONG

adulterate blacken blemish blot blur brand cook crumble cut debase decay decompose defile deprave discolor disgrace dishonor disintegrate doctor foul putrefy rot shame soil spike stigmatize trash turn water

WEAK

break down cast a slur crud up give a bad name water down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist benefit bless clean cleanse fix help honor improve mend purify

STRONG

beautify build clarify clear combine develop enhance esteem flourish grow praise put together respect unite upgrade

WEAK

right

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.

Meghan had divorced a talent manager in 2014, a taint on her résumé from The Firm’s perspective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

He also voiced concern that the draft lottery debate could "negatively taint the whole effort".

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

And it’s all too easy to accidentally taint a drop of blood at home.

From Slate • May 28, 2025

“I hope this doesn’t taint people from supporting honest vendors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024

This time, his pause is longer, heavy with the taint of a memory better forgotten.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir