BEFOUL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

befoul

verb

bi-ˈfau̇(-ə)l

Definition of befoul

as in to stain

to make dirty unsightly mud and slush befouls the family car every winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pollute

to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable the enemy had befouled the water in all of the area's wells with animal carcasses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of befoul That will prevent polluted excess water being sent on estuaries east and west of the lake that have befouled waters with blue-green algae that has led to massive deaths of marine life within the past decade. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026 Los Angeles, that magical realm of shimmering natural beauty, was befouled by smog — maybe forever. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 That’s a fate that befouls most of the heroic cast, who are underserved by a tepid script that can’t bother to locate and carry through coherent character arcs that would give this adventure real emotional weight. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026 This roman à clef series begins with the patriarch of the Roy clan, Logan (Brian Cox), urinating on a carpet (evoking The Big Lebowski, befouling us). — Armond White, National Review, 5 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for befoul

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befoul

Verb

Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
Dressing up for warmer weather can be a challenge since plush fabrics like silk can easily stain and aren’t as breathable.

— Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Definition of stain

Verb

We’re paralyzed by whether a carbon-belching fossil fuel company’s right to pollute should outweigh the rest of the country’s right to clean air and a stable climate.

— Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Clara Benson, who is one of the founders of the No Big Bend Wall coalition, says bright lights in the area designed to illuminate the border could pollute the skies in an area renowned for having some of the best views of the stars.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of pollute

Verb

The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
One of the daily specials, a creamy risotto accented with a bold red pepper puree and blackened shrimp, caught my eye and satisfied my cravings for something comforting.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026

Definition of blacken

Verb

The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.

— Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
But as filming continued, Pidgeon appeared to dirty her butter blond with caramel and chocolate shades similar to Bessette-Kennedy’s, thanks to stylist Kari Hill.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

Definition of dirty

Verb

The Spurs were a ghastly 11 of 46 from the perimeter, sullying an otherwise analytically pristine shot chart that included only four non-paint 2s.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Soap invited its viewers to take jabs at the genre in a time when the soap opera’s reputation had already been sullied in the American mind.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026

Definition of sully

Verb

In her response, Hajdini cast Rana as manipulative and deceitful, intent on ruining her life and besmirching her employer through his sensational accusations.

— David Chiu, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Bryna Laub, editor of Daytime Serial Newsletter, felt the show besmirched the sanctity of soaps and contributed to the broader currents of shame surrounding the genre.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026

Definition of besmirch

Verb

Some passengers reported soiling themselves in their seats.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
The establishment remained closed after a reinspection, during which health inspectors observed unresolved violations including food stored at unsafe temperatures, multiple flies in the kitchen, soiled flooring under cooking equipment among others.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 June 2026

Definition of soil

Verb

The Socceroos will try their best to muck it up and play a very defensive brand of soccer against America, while also boasting a great goalkeeper in Matthew Ryan.

— Austin Perry, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
But Ehlers has given Carolina a newfound level of offensive depth, especially given he’s meshed surprisingly well with Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook, two veteran checkers who have been mucking and grinding for years on a team that does that better than anyone.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 24 May 2026

Definition of muck

Browse Nearby Words

before long

befoul

befouled

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Cite this Entry

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“Befoul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befoul. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of befoul

verb

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