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tar Synonyms

Another word for tar

Choosing another word for tar depends on context, so the 26 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A dark, thick, flammable liquid distilled from wood or coal, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons, resins, and other compounds, primarily used for paving roads or waterproofing.

Usage Example

"The construction crew heated the pitch until it was viscous enough to spread over the new roof."

Strongest
pitch
Strong
bitumen
asphalt
Weak
creosote

• verb (Context 2)

To cover or coat a surface with tar, often for the purpose of waterproofing or paving.

Usage Example

"They had to pitch the driveway during the hottest days of summer so the surface would set properly."

Strongest
pitch
Strong
asphalt
pave
blacktop

• verb (Context 3)

To unfairly characterize, judge, or defame someone based on a negative trait, or by associating them with the actions of a broader group.

Usage Example

"He was completely innocent, yet he was tarred by the corruption scandal that disgraced the rest of his department."

Strongest
taint
smear
Strong
tarnish
stain
sully
besmirch
stigmatize
blacken
defame
malign

• noun (Context 4)

An informal or historical term for a sailor in the merchant or naval service.

Usage Example

"The old sailor sat on a barrel by the docks, spinning elaborate yarns about his decades at sea."

Strongest
sailor
jack-tar
seaman
mariner
Strong
seafarer
salt
old salt
bluejacket
gob
swabbie

Opposites of tar

The opposite of tar shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

landlubber
exonerate
landsman
vindicate
clear
exculpate
absolve
See all opposites of tar

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Tar. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/tar
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