taint
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for taint, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone.
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 trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone.
“The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation.”
How to use taint
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tainted reputation
tainted evidence
a taint of scandal
taint the water supply
Etymology
From Old French teint ("dyed, tinged"), from Latin tingere — the same root that gives us "tint."
Full origin of taint →Frequently asked questions
What does “taint” mean?
The word “taint” means a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone. In plain terms, a trace of contamination or dishonor, or the act of spoiling something with it.
How do you pronounce “taint”?
“Taint” is pronounced taynt (/teɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “taint” in a sentence?
Here is “taint” used in a sentence: “The scandal left a lasting taint on his reputation.”
What part of speech is “taint”?
Depending on how it is used, “taint” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “taint” come from?
The word “taint” comes from Latin. From Old French teint ("dyed, tinged"), from Latin tingere — the same root that gives us "tint.".
How many meanings does “taint” have?
“Taint” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trace of contamination, corruption, or disgrace attached to something or someone.
