discolor

verb

Definition of discolornext
as in to smudge

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of discolor That being said, harsh chemical cleaners can cause the surface to crack or discolor over time, so mild soap and water are your best bet. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 The flushing may temporarily discolor the water as buildup in the pipes is cleaned out. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 How to Deadhead Lilies Look for lily stems with flowers that have faded or are beginning to fade, discolor, or drop off. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 July 2026 Additionally, any errant water drops that land on leaves are more likely to spread disease or discolor them during this time. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discolor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discolor
  1. smudge
  2. soil
  3. tarnish
  4. blacken
  5. smear
  6. pollute
  7. dirty
  8. stain
Verb
  • Will Hammond, quarterback, Texas Tech Even after Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby’s gambling scandal saga, which ended in Sorsby unable to play and Texas Tech leadership smudged, the Red Raiders are favored to win the Big 12.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • If yours are straight, drop, or smudge onto your lids, tubing technology can be your best bet.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of smudge
Verb
  • Lamb checked out of the room the next day, and a housekeeper found three large trash bags filled with bloody towels and linens that were also soiled with human waste, according to the report.
    — David Goodhue August 21, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • When To Wash Sheets In Hot Water Washing sheets in hot water every time isn’t necessary for linens that are lightly soiled—think no sweaty nights or sickness.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of soil
Verb
  • Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first, since some metal components may tarnish or degrade with high heat or moisture.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In June, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of rape and domestic violence after a seven-week trial that further tarnished the family’s reputation.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of tarnish
Verb
  • 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
Definition of blacken
Verb
  • Darker smears around the crater’s rim contain surface rocks and lunar dust called regolith previously altered by solar winds, micrometeorites, and cosmic radiation over an extended period of time.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The atmosphere works on them a little bit harder and reduces their strength and smears them a little bit more.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of smear
Verb
  • Environmental groups advocated for SB 954 over concerns that the CEQA exemption could allow heavily polluting facilities to bypass environmental review.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The usual analogy is that generative AI and LLMs are akin to a factory that pollutes local waters.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of pollute
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Verb
  • But even the most dependable pieces eventually become too stained, scratched, or mismatched for food storage.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Clark’s denim featured unique distressing, looking as if the denim was once white and stained with coffee.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stain

Browse Nearby Words

discoidal
discolor
discoloration
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discolor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discolor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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