Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun tarnish

1 sense of tarnish

Sense 1
tarnish -- (discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation)
       => stain, discoloration, discolouration -- (a soiled or discolored appearance; "the wine left a dark stain")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb tarnish

1 sense of tarnish

Sense 1
tarnish, stain, maculate, sully, defile -- (make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically; "The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air"; "Her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man")
       => spot, fleck, blob, blot -- (make a spot or mark onto; "The wine spotted the tablecloth")