maculate vs sully

maculate is an adjective but sully is not an adjective.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
maculate	No	Yes	Yes	No
sully	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, maculate and sully are synonyms defined as:

maculate and sully: make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

Other synonyms of maculate include defile, stain, tarnish.

maculate (adjective)	sully (adjective)
spotted or blotched
morally blemished; stained or impure

maculate (verb)	sully (verb)
spot, stain, or pollute	charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically	make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
	place under suspicion or cast doubt upon