smudge

verb

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\ ˈsməj

smudged; smudging

Definition of smudge

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to make a smudge on

b : to soil as if by smudging

2a : to rub, daub, or wipe in a smeary manner

b : to make indistinct : blur smudged the writing

3 : to smoke or protect by means of a smudge

intransitive verb

1 : to make a smudge

2 : to become smudged

smudge

noun

Definition of smudge (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a blurry spot or streak

b : an immaterial stain cleanse him of every last smudge of impropriety— Richard Hanser

c : an indistinct mass : blur

2 : a smoldering mass placed on the windward side (as to protect from frost)

3 : a bid of four in pitch that if made wins the game

Other Words from smudge Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About smudge

Other Words from smudge

Noun

smudgily \ ˈsmə-jə-lē

\ adverb

smudginess \ ˈsmə-jē-nəs

\ noun

smudgy \ ˈsmə-jē

\ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for smudge

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Verb

Examples of smudge in a Sentence

Verb Don't smudge the picture with your dirty hands! His face was smudged with grease. Noun His hand left a grimy smudge on the wall. the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The formula is packed with moisturizing aloe vera and vitamin E—and doesn't run, smudge, or drip down your face during a hot day. — Ana Escalante, Glamour, 8 June 2022 Denae Shanidiin uses a fan made of feathers to smudge Prince Naveen Scott and Marjorie Scott at the Carry the Water Garden in Salt Lake City's Glendale neighborhood, on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's Day, May 5, 2022. — Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 May 2022 Wearing bright red lipstick that didn’t smudge all over a face mask. — Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2020 Growers have been using wind machines and smudge pots to warm the apple, pear and cherry orchards. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2022 One minor quibble: the distinctive green outer cover was quick to smudge in our tests, so don't count on the hose looking new for long. — Dan Diclerico, Good Housekeeping, 18 Apr. 2022 Jackson adds that no matter the color, all of the products do not smudge, or budge, for anything. — Alaina Demopoulos, Allure, 5 Apr. 2022 Loved by La' Pearl, this shouldn’t smudge, transfer, or feel heavy.. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2022 The Black Orb Enigmatic Eyeliner comes in a pot reminiscent of traditional kohls (smudge it on with your fingers or a brush). — Stephanie Gonot, Allure, 20 Mar. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The non-streaky, smudge-resistant color lasts all day too. — Theresa Holland, PEOPLE.com, 6 June 2022 Take advantage of 40 percent off this culty and smudge-resistant liquid lipstick from Armani Beauty. — Tiffany Dodson And Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 1 June 2022 This smudge-proof formula is great for sensitive skin and eyes and leaves the lashes looking naturally voluminous. — Celia Shatzman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 May 2022 Available in both clear and tinted shades, expect smudge-proof, volumized arches after just a few strokes. — Vogue, 30 May 2022 Wearers can expect up to 36 hours of smudge-free wear, too. — Celia Shatzman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 May 2022 For everyday grime, these tough problem solvers can tackle yesterday's muddy feet, a case of jam hands, and that smudge of indeterminate origin. — Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2022 Certainly, he’d have been gone after Year 3, an 11-17 smudge that included a home loss to Wagner and a 3-11 ACC record. — Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2022 Cutting corners isn’t an option for the man who inspects his finished work for an errant smudge, like a jeweler looking for a flaw in a gem. — Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smudge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.