as in to stain
to make dirty
she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smudge
Micaela English, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026
Those smudged, hazy glass patio doors are not doing your indoor-outdoor view any favors.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 May 2026
The headphones didn’t feel noticeably heavier than their predecessor during our extended test run and were less prone to fingerprints and smudges.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Verb
Definition softens, dry lips are a constant, volume diminishes, and suddenly your favorite Pillow Talk Lip Liner is migrating and smudging into fine lines.
—Micaela English, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026
Those smudged, hazy glass patio doors are not doing your indoor-outdoor view any favors.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
While some liners deliver an undesirable smudge-effect, Victoria Beckham Beauty perfectly plumps.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 May 2026
The headphones didn’t feel noticeably heavier than their predecessor during our extended test run and were less prone to fingerprints and smudges.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
Verb
-
No public executions stained the squares.—
Adam Kirsch,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
-
In another video published by B’Tselem capturing the moments after the incident, Sam’s father can be seen standing by the car, cradling his baby, whose bright yellow clothing can be seen stained with blood.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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The good news is that the gala survived its Bezos taint.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
Verb
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But as filming continued, Pidgeon appeared to dirty her butter blond with caramel and chocolate shades similar to Bessette-Kennedy’s, thanks to stylist Kari Hill.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
25 Feb. 2026
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With the help of your Instant Pot, spaghetti and meatballs come together in under an hour without dirtying multiple dishes.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Dabbing the cloth in rubbing alcohol, working away the dirty blots on the glass, waiting for the haze in my head to focus, and a new line to come to me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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Allow the garment to soak for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove it from the detergent solution and blot with a white paper towel or cloth.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Leaves and buds that are bitten by frost will blacken and shrivel, sometimes all over the plant.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
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The shrimp basket at B&J's Steak and Seafood includes a half pound of shrimp fried, grilled, blackened or boiled.—
Bill Dawers - For the AJC,
AJC.com,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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