as in polluted
containing foreign or lower-grade substances
tainted groundwater that is unfit to drink
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in poisoned
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
criticism of her sister's singing that was tainted by envy a tendency toward conceitedness taints the athlete's status as a role model
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in contaminated
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable
smog has long tainted the air of the city, making it difficult to breathe
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tainted
Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025
The British government recently added eight countries to its list of travel warnings related to the risk of methanol poisoning from tainted alcohol.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Bart Jansen, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Bonds and Clemens would be shoo-ins for the Hall had their careers in MLB not been tainted by the accusations.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tainted
Adjective
Since Valentine’s Day 2023, a civil lawsuit regarding the incident was resolved, according to the restaurant, which said individuals responsible for serving the tainted drink were fired.
—Verb
Jansen Images revive past embarrassments Numerous public figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein have been again tainted by the association this year as more information about their communication with and ties to Epstein have resurfaced.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for tainted
Adjective
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The state also has an above average number of polluted waterways and more coal ash ponds — small, toxic water bodies near coal plants where poisonous refuse is discarded — than any other state.—
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Webster believes that Bongino and Patel have become polluted by the same swamp that Trump has again and again vowed to clean up.—
Verb
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Residents are also urged to watch children closely while playing outdoors where mushrooms grow and to keep pets away, since animals can be poisoned as well.—
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In June 2024, Bich poisoned a fourth relative — a teenager — who survived after collapsing and being rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered cyanide in his stomach and alerted the family, the outlets reported.—
Verb
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Among the recipients of the December funding were the small communities of Ashford and Willington, which are trying to deal with the more than 350-acre contaminated Candlerock property.—
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Diesel fuel was mixed with regular unleaded gasoline and that contaminated mixture was distributed to gas stations run by Costco, Murphy Express and King Soopers across the Denver metro, according to Colorado’s Division of Oil and Public Safety.—
Adjective
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The state tried to incorporate as many voices as possible, which is admirable in some ways, but diluted rural hospitals’ message, Stansbury said.—
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As for baking soda, the greatest success was observed when mixing diluted baking soda with horticulture oil.—
Verb
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Their union was marred by affairs on both sides, perhaps most notably Charles’s ongoing affair with the former Camilla Parker Bowles (now Queen Camilla).—
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The deal has largely held, though it has been marred by mutual accusations of violations.—
Verb
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Frank doesn’t mind having people killed for his agenda, but has avoided getting his hands stained with blood.—
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Cut the blanket into smaller pieces, avoiding areas that are worn, ripped, or stained, and turn them into pillow covers, tote bags, cushions, dog bedding, and more.—
Adjective
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Second, a dilute hydrochloric acid is used to dissolve the remaining lithium and the transition metals—nickel, cobalt, and manganese.—
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For example, Wilson’s team is exploring whether dilute acids speed up weathering.—
Verb
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Since the totality is gracing Libya and Egypt, clear skies are almost guaranteed for the astounding event—a welcome piece of news for anyone who remembers the clouds that spoiled visibility in parts of North America during the 2024 eclipse.—
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Until one moment spoiled everything.—
Cite this Entry
“Tainted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tainted. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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