1
as in blots
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the stain of this cowardly act would haunt him for the rest of his career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in taints
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
her poor choice of companions stained her reputation somewhat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in paints
to give color or a different color to
stained the table to look like cherry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in smudges
to make dirty
oil stained his work pants
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stains
Cori Sears, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Emily Brontë’s novel is a book that stains — its emotions seep through generations, its hatreds metastasize, its love transforms into something unholy and permanent.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Pine-Sol can get rid of tough stains and smells such as grease and unpleasant odors on athletic gear for clothing that seems good as new.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Then scrub with a toilet brush, focusing on stains and under the rim.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
His inability to recognize the oxymoron makes Cole’s introspection on this topic feel less like a genuine reckoning and more like a feeble attempt at bleaching out the darkest stains of his career.
—Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
If the mildew stains are super pesky, try a mix of Borax and lemon juice and apply to your curtain before washing.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Feb. 2026
Herr said to look for water stains on ceilings and walls inside of homes.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
That included expert testimony that blood stains on Ryan's hands suggested Christine Banfield's blood had been dripped onto him from above.
—CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
Season with salt and lots of pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until the turmeric stains the mixture a wonderful golden color and the liquid starts to steam, about 3 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Blood still regularly stains the floors of the Coliseum’s rings.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Peel-and-stick tiles are also more susceptible to surface damage (such as scratches and stains), so consider this when choosing where to install them.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Emily Brontë’s novel is a book that stains — its emotions seep through generations, its hatreds metastasize, its love transforms into something unholy and permanent.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Pine-Sol can get rid of tough stains and smells such as grease and unpleasant odors on athletic gear for clothing that seems good as new.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Then scrub with a toilet brush, focusing on stains and under the rim.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
His inability to recognize the oxymoron makes Cole’s introspection on this topic feel less like a genuine reckoning and more like a feeble attempt at bleaching out the darkest stains of his career.
—Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
If the mildew stains are super pesky, try a mix of Borax and lemon juice and apply to your curtain before washing.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Feb. 2026
Herr said to look for water stains on ceilings and walls inside of homes.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
That included expert testimony that blood stains on Ryan's hands suggested Christine Banfield's blood had been dripped onto him from above.
—CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
This mixture attacks stains a bit stronger than the water solution.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
Season with salt and lots of pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking often, until the turmeric stains the mixture a wonderful golden color and the liquid starts to steam, about 3 minutes.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Blood still regularly stains the floors of the Coliseum’s rings.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stains
Noun
-
Allergic reactions and inflammation from tattoo pigments are documented risks.—
Tatiana Dias,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Techniques like laser cutting and engraving add texture, while mineral pigments create metallic finishes.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The film centered on the Environmental Protection Agency encasing the Simpsons’ hometown of Springfield in a dome after Homer taints the area’s water supply.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The data paints a stark picture.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The league paints this as a positive that better aligns everyone.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cleaning dirt and smudges off window glass helps sunlight penetrate into your home and will boost the amount of light that’s available to your houseplants.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Wight says that this process can be done using a small Q-tip to transfer pollen from the anthers to the stigmas.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Many japonica camellias, in the manner of other botanical hybrids, are sterile with their yellow, thread-like stamens and stigmas either absent or invisible.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In addition, some states have taken steps to ban artificial dyes from school meals.—
Jonel Aleccia,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
California began paving the way for legislation against synthetic dyes several years ago.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sensing Scarlet’s resolve to destroy him, Claudius poisons her.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Musicians live really complicated lives — performing late at night, for instance, colors your day-to-day existence.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The movie would not ultimately get made, but her work on it colors her memories of early motherhood.—
Rebecca Traister,
Vulture,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stains. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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