blacken

verb

black·​en ˈbla-kən How to pronounce blacken (audio)
blackened; blackening
ˈblak-niŋ, 
ˈbla-kə- How to pronounce blacken (audio)
Synonyms of blackennext

intransitive verb

: to become dark or black
the sky blackens

transitive verb

1
: to make black
2
: defame, sully
blackened her reputation
blackener
ˈblak-nər, 
ˈbla-kə- How to pronounce blacken (audio)
noun

Synonyms of blacken

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Examples of blacken in a Sentence

Fire had blackened the field. The sky blackened as the storm approached. Their false accusations failed to blacken my reputation. a presidency blackened by scandal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the balloon and its occupants fell to the ground, the nylon envelope and the gondola separated, and the wreckage scattered over a roughly 100-yard area, parts of it blackened by the explosion and resulting fire. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 The shrinking process had exaggerated some features, vanished others, and blackened the flesh. — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026 Footage shot later at daybreak showed the house gutted, charred and blackened from the inside out. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 After the first killing frost blackens their foliage, wait for a dry day and gently lift them with a garden fork. — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blacken

Word History

Etymology

Middle English blaknen, blakenen, from blak black entry 1 + -n, -en -en entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of blacken was in the 14th century

Rhymes for blacken

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Browse Nearby Words

black elderberry
blacken
black end
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Cite this Entry

“Blacken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blacken. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

blacken

verb
black·​en ˈblak-ən How to pronounce blacken (audio)
blackened; blackening ˈblak-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce blacken (audio)
1
: to make or become dark or black
2
: to hurt the reputation of
blackener
-(ə-)nər How to pronounce blacken (audio)
noun
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