maculate
/ˈmæk.jə.lət/
VERB
1. To mark with spots or stains
To make something spotted, stained, blurred, or blemished by adding marks or discoloration to its surface.
1.1. Staining and marking surfaces
Used to describe making a surface dirty, discolored, or marked with visible spots, stains, or blemishes.
Synonyms
- stain
- spot
- blemish
- soil
- smudge
- sully
- streak
Antonyms
- clean
- cleanse
- purify
Examples
- Mud and rain maculated the otherwise clean surface of the white wall.
- The spilled ink maculated the pages of the manuscript.
- Footprints maculated the fresh snow along the garden path.
Related Words
- stain
- discoloration
- blemish
- smear
- smudge
- speckle
- blotch
ADJECTIVE
2. Marked with spots or blotches
Having visible spots, patches, or irregular marks on a surface or body.
2.1. Spotted and mottled appearance
Describes something whose appearance is irregularly marked with spots, blotches, speckles, or patches of different colors.
Synonyms
- spotted
- blotched
- mottled
- speckled
- dappled
- flecked
Antonyms
- spotless
- unmarked
- unblemished
Examples
- The old fabric had become maculate with irregular brown spots.
- The maculate surface of the stone displayed patches of contrasting colors.
Related Words
- spots
- blotches
- flecks
- speckles
- patches
- discoloration
- variegation
ADJECTIVE
3. Defiled or made impure
Made dirty, contaminated, corrupted, or morally stained; no longer pure or clean.
3.1. Physical contamination and impurity
Describes something that has been polluted, dirtied, or contaminated by an unwanted substance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- pure
- clean
- uncontaminated
- unpolluted
- untainted
Examples
- The water became maculate after chemicals leaked into the river.
- The once-pure soil was maculate with industrial waste.
Related Words
- pollution
- contamination
- impurity
- adulteration
- filth
- corruption
3.2. Moral corruption and disgrace
Describes a person, reputation, or institution that has been morally tainted, dishonored, or corrupted by wrongdoing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- immaculate
- unsullied
- untainted
- honorable
Examples
- The scandal left the politician's once-respected reputation maculate.
- The institution's reputation became maculate after years of corruption and misconduct.