- Sullied
- Meaning: "Sullied" means to make dirty, soil, or stain something, often in a way that implies a loss of purity or cleanliness. It can also have a more figurative meaning of tarnishing a reputation or something of value. For example, "The once - white dress was sullied by the muddy puddle." In a more abstract sense, "His reputation was sullied by the false accusations."
- Usage: It's a more literary or formal word. It's used when you want to convey a sense of something precious or clean being dirtied, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "The beautiful landscape was sullied by the litter left behind by careless tourists."
- Tarnished
- Meaning: "Tarnished" originally referred to the dulling or discoloration of a metal surface, usually due to oxidation. Figuratively, it means to damage or blemish the good quality or reputation of something. For example, "The silverware had tarnished over time." In a non - literal sense, "His good name was tarnished by the scandal." It's related to "soiled" in the sense of a loss of luster or a mark that degrades the appearance or value.
- Usage: Commonly used to describe metals in a physical sense and for more intangible things like reputations, images, or ideals in a figurative sense. For example, "The company's brand image was tarnished by the product recall."
- Besmirched
- Meaning: "Besmirched" means to make dirty or soiled, usually in a way that implies a moral or ethical taint. It's a stronger word than "soiled" when used figuratively. For example, "His honor was besmirched by the false rumors." In a literal sense, it can also mean to mark with dirt or filth, such as "The walls were besmirched with graffiti."
- Usage: Often used in a more dramatic or formal context to describe the soiling of a person's character, reputation, or something of high value. For example, "The ancient monument was besmirched by the vandals."
- Contaminated
- Meaning: "Contaminated" means to make something impure or unclean by contact with a harmful or unwanted substance. It's more about the introduction of a pollutant or something that can cause harm. For example, "The water supply was contaminated with chemicals." While "soiled" can refer to a more general dirtiness, "contaminated" implies a specific threat to health or quality.
- Usage: Used in scientific, environmental, and health - related contexts. For example, "The food was contaminated with bacteria, so it had to be discarded."
- Muddied
- Meaning: "Muddied" means to make dirty with mud or to make something unclear or confused, similar to how mud can cloud water. For example, "The children's shoes muddied the clean floor." Figuratively, "The issue was muddied by the conflicting reports." It's related to "soiled" as it involves a kind of dirtiness, especially with the substance of mud.
- Usage: Can be used in a literal sense to describe things covered in mud and in a more figurative sense to describe a situation that has become less clear or more complicated. For example, "The political debate was muddied by personal attacks."
Soiled synonym,synonyms of soiled
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