blacken

verb

black·​en ˈbla-kən How to pronounce blacken (audio)
blackened; blackening
ˈblak-niŋ, 
ˈbla-kə- How to pronounce blacken (audio)
Synonyms of blackennext

intransitive verb

: to become dark or black
the sky blackens

transitive verb

1
: to make black
2
: defame, sully
blackened her reputation
blackener
ˈblak-nər, 
ˈbla-kə- How to pronounce blacken (audio)
noun

Synonyms of blacken

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Examples of blacken in a Sentence

Fire had blackened the field. The sky blackened as the storm approached. Their false accusations failed to blacken my reputation. a presidency blackened by scandal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Morawetz also points to baking and air-frying as favorite preparation methods, noting that charring or blackening from direct high-heat grilling can be linked to health risks. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026 Corbin uses cabbage as an anchor in his new and expanding Rolodex of flavors, thrusting it into the fire until the outer layers are blackened and frizzled. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Timber Fire Monterey County’s Timber Fire burning near Big Sur has blackened nearly 2,500 acres since its start Monday afternoon and is 5% contained. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The old silver and gold shops, their facades blackened by time, were gone. — Lina Sergie Attar, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blacken

Word History

Etymology

Middle English blaknen, blakenen, from blak black entry 1 + -n, -en -en entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of blacken was in the 14th century

Rhymes for blacken

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Browse Nearby Words

black elderberry
blacken
black end
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blacken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blacken. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

blacken

verb
black·​en ˈblak-ən How to pronounce blacken (audio)
blackened; blackening ˈblak-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce blacken (audio)
1
: to make or become dark or black
2
: to hurt the reputation of
blackener
-(ə-)nər How to pronounce blacken (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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