stained
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for stained, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Marked or discoloured by a stain.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stained
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “stained” mean?
The word “stained” means marked or discoloured by a stain. In plain terms, marked with a stain, or deliberately coloured.
How do you pronounce “stained”?
“Stained” is pronounced staynd (/steɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “stained” in a sentence?
Here is “stained” used in a sentence: “His shirt was stained with grease.”
What part of speech is “stained”?
“Stained” is an adjective.
Is “stained” a common word?
“Stained” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stained” have?
“Stained” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: marked or discoloured by a stain.
What is the difference between stained and dyed?
Stained usually implies an unwanted or accidental discolouration, such as a coffee mark on a shirt, while dyed describes an intentional colouring process. Wood or glass can also be deliberately "stained" as a finishing technique, which sits closer to dyed in meaning.
Can stained be used for something positive, like stained glass?
Yes, in stained glass the word describes glass that has been coloured on purpose during manufacture, so the sense is neutral or even artistic rather than negative. In everyday speech, though, stained clothing or carpet almost always implies an unwanted mark.
What is a common collocation with stained?
Common pairings include stained glass, blood-stained, wine-stained, and stained teeth, each combining the adjective with a noun or compound to specify the cause or object of the discolouration.