sully vs maculate

sully is not an adjective while maculate is an adjective.

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

As verbs, sully and maculate are synonyms defined as:

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

Other synonyms of sully include defile, stain, tarnish.

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

sully (verb)	maculate (verb)
charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone	spot, stain, or pollute
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