: something that tarnishes
especially
: a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (such as silver)
Synonyms
Examples of tarnish in a Sentence
Verb
Some foods will tarnish silver.
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
Noun
a polish that removes tarnish
Recent Examples on the Web
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
That was something that was orchestrated, both that situation and the situation with the fortunes that was orchestrated by my ex-husband to tarnish my image.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
Soak the silver pieces for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the tarnish disappears, and then carefully remove each silver item.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tarnish 
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Verb
The cases allege that the AI models also risk tarnishing reporters’ reputations by sometimes misstating their reporting or attributing it to others.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
That was something that was orchestrated, both that situation and the situation with the fortunes that was orchestrated by my ex-husband to tarnish my image.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
Metal ornaments that are beginning to tarnish can be cleaned with either a bit of jewelry polish or a mixture of baking soda and water.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024
Soak the silver pieces for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the tarnish disappears, and then carefully remove each silver item.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tarnish
Dictionary Entries Near tarnish
Cite this Entry
“Tarnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarnish. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tarnish
1 of 2 verb
tar·nish
ˈtär-nish 
1
: to make or become dull, dim, or discolored
silver tarnishes
2
: to bring disgrace or cast doubt on
tarnished the family's good name
tarnish
2 of 2 noun
: something that tarnishes
especially
: a film of chemically changed material on the surface of a metal (as silver)
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