blemish
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for blemish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface.
“A tiny blemish on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident.”
Opposites
How to use blemish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
skin blemish
blemish-free
blemish a reputation
Etymology
From Old French "blesmir," meaning to make pale or bruise, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "pale."
Full origin of blemish →Frequently asked questions
What does “blemish” mean?
The word “blemish” means a small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface. In plain terms, a small flaw, whether on skin, a surface, or a reputation.
How do you pronounce “blemish”?
“Blemish” is pronounced BLEH-mihsh (/ˈblɛmɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “blemish” in a sentence?
Here is “blemish” used in a sentence: “A tiny blemish on the paintwork was the only sign of the accident.”
What part of speech is “blemish”?
Depending on how it is used, “blemish” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blemish” come from?
The word “blemish” comes from Old French. From Old French "blesmir," meaning to make pale or bruise, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "pale.".
How many meanings does “blemish” have?
“Blemish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small mark or flaw that spoils an otherwise clean or attractive surface.
