Synonyms for

Tainted

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

Definition

contaminated or polluted with something harmful or unpleasant

Synonyms & similar words

cloud defile disinfect corrupt sully infect taint contaminated polluted spoiled corrupted defiled infected soiled stained blemished impure unclean adulterated debased degraded fouled noxious toxic venomous unwholesome unsanitary

Synonyms by register

Formal

corrupted defiled polluted vitiated

Informal

spoiled ruined off bad

Literary

besmirched soiled stained

Antonyms

pure clean unspoiled uncontaminated wholesome innocent virtuous

Common collocations

  • tainted blood
  • tainted evidence
  • tainted reputation
  • tainted by association
  • tainted goods
  • tainted legacy
  • tainted water

Word family

noun taint
verb taint
adjective tainted

Usage note

Tainted often implies a subtle or moral corruption rather than outright destruction. It can be used for both physical and abstract concepts.

Example sentences

  1. The meat was tainted with salmonella and had to be recalled from the store.
  2. The water in the river was tainted with chemicals from the factory.
  3. The reputation of the company was tainted by the scandal.
  4. The politician's career was tainted by accusations of corruption.
  5. The air in the city was tainted with pollution from cars and factories.

Quotes

  • A single lie can taint a whole truth. - David Levithan
  • The actions of one may taint the reputation of many. - Kahlil Gibran
  • The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein

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