Synonyms for

Stain

Verb / steɪn / Another word for stain — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to leave a mark on something that is difficult to remove

Synonyms & similar words

filth defile dirt sully tarnish smirch stigma smear discolouration soil spot blot discoloration maculate grease brand grime mark grunge spot blemish mark smudge discolor taint pollute defile contaminate dirty sully spoil mar deface damage ruin blot soil streak disfigure

Synonyms by register

Formal

discolor mar blemish taint

Informal

spot smudge mess up dirty

Literary

blot defile soil

Antonyms

clean purify clear brighten wash rinse

Common collocations

  • remove a stain
  • wash out a stain
  • permanent stain
  • ink stain
  • wine stain
  • blood stain
  • coffee stain
  • stubborn stain

Word family

noun stain
verb stain
adjective stained

Usage note

As a noun, 'stain' refers to a mark left by something. As a verb, it means to cause such a mark. Be careful not to confuse it with 'stent', a medical device.

Example sentences

  1. I spilled grape juice on my white shirt and now it has a big stain on it.
  2. The coffee mug left a brown stain on the white tablecloth.
  3. The red wine stained the carpet and it was difficult to remove.
  4. I need to use a special cleaner to remove the stain from the bathtub.
  5. The mud from my shoes stained the light-colored carpet.

Quotes

  • A stain on the honor of the family is not easily wiped away.
  • A stain on one, is a stain on all.
  • A single stain can ruin the beauty of the whole fabric.

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