Synonyms for

Stains

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

Definition

A mark or discoloration caused by something being spilled, smeared, or dirty.

Synonyms & similar words

grease brand defile maculate dirt soil mark smear blot discolouration tarnish discoloration grime sully stain grunge filth spot stigma smirch blemish spot mark discoloration smudge blotch spill taint disfigurement defect imperfection flaw scar trace sign indication evidence reminder token

Synonyms by register

Formal

discoloration blemish taint mark

Informal

spot smudge grime dirt

Literary

blot speckle mar

Antonyms

cleans purifies washes rinses sanitizes sterilizes

Common collocations

  • remove stains
  • stubborn stains
  • coffee stains
  • wine stains
  • set-in stains
  • wash out stains
  • blood stains

Word family

noun stain
verb stain
adjective stained

Usage note

As a verb, 'stain' often implies a permanent mark. As a noun, it refers to the mark itself.

Example sentences

  1. She tried to remove the stains from the carpet.
  2. The white shirt had stains all over it.
  3. The coffee left a stain on the tablecloth.
  4. The ink stain on his shirt was hard to remove.
  5. He was upset when he saw the stains on his favorite shirt.

Quotes

  • A good reputation is a perishable commodity. It can be lost in a moment's notice with a careless word or an ill-timed action. Don't let the stains of your past taint the potential of your future.
  • Stains are the punctuation marks of life. They leave a mark, but they don't define the sentence.
  • The stains of guilt are harder to remove than the stains of dirt.

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