Synonyms for

Mar

Verb / mɑ:r / Another word for mar — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To damage or spoil something, making it less attractive or useful.

Synonyms & similar words

mar vitiate march blemish mutilate spoil defect impair deflower blemish deface damage impair spoil ruin disfigure scratch scuff flaw blemish discolor stain mark blot tarnish disfigure deform mutilate scar

Synonyms by register

Formal

spoil damage impair blemish disfigure

Informal

mess up ruin wreck screw up

Literary

deflower taint blot

Antonyms

improve enhance perfect mend repair beautify embellish

Common collocations

  • mar the occasion
  • mar the surface
  • mar the landscape
  • mar the reputation
  • mar the perfection
  • mar the beauty
  • mar the experience

Word family

noun mar
verb mar
adjective marred

Usage note

Mar is typically used to describe something that is spoiled or damaged, often in a way that detracts from its beauty or perfection. It can be used for both physical and abstract things.

Example sentences

  1. I will mar my new shoes if I wear them in the rain.
  2. The scratches on the car's paintwork marred its otherwise perfect appearance.
  3. The graffiti on the wall marred the beauty of the park.
  4. The artist refused to put his signature on the painting, as he didn't want to mar its beauty.
  5. The poor quality of the printing marred the photographs.

Quotes

  • I don't want to mar the perfection that surrounds us. - Alfred Hitchcock
  • It is not what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable. - Moliere

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