maculate v make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically v spot, stain, or pollute s morally blemished; stained or impure s spotted or blotched Usage(s) But his limitations were a virtue because his target was so big -- and so maculate. Among the robin's maculate cousins, "the reddish tail is the hermit thrush's mark. Synonym(s) tarnish stain sully defile foul befoul defiled