1
as in to paint
to rub an oily or sticky substance over
the toddler gleefully smeared her hair and face with maple syrup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to libel
to make untrue and harmful statements about
he is willing to smear his opponent if doing so would win the election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in slander
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of smear
Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
There was plenty of cheek-kissing, and probably a little air-kissing too — nobody wants to smear lipstick in that crowd.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Director Josh Safdie was the subject of a report in the California Post that some in the industry see as part of an Oscars-race smear campaign, Dixon said.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smear
Verb
The pigment lasts all day without smearing.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
There was plenty of cheek-kissing, and probably a little air-kissing too — nobody wants to smear lipstick in that crowd.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
Hastings alleges Gasca and her election committee orchestrated a smear campaign against him.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Director Josh Safdie was the subject of a report in the California Post that some in the industry see as part of an Oscars-race smear campaign, Dixon said.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear
Verb
-
In the loft, Ann tells Caroline that Lauren is often a footnote to sycophantic memorials for John in the media, while Carolyn continues to be painted as a villain.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The official police and legal record, on the other hand, paints a much more damning picture of Bolsonaro’s participation in a coup plot.—
Anthony W. Pereira,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2025
-
As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized.—
George Pendle,
airmail.news,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Beijing has strongly denied those claims, calling them a fabrication and malicious slander.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Ohiku's complaint accused the defendants, including Kohlheim, City Clerk Jim Owczarski and Common Council President José Pérez, of libel, slander and negligent supervision.—
Vanessa Swales,
jsonline.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Designed with convenience and your busy lifestyle in mind, MY MAGIC CARPET rugs protect floors from scratches, spills and stains.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Our editors tested over a dozen shower cleaners to find the ones that are most effective at removing soap scum and water stains.—
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The sun is shining brighter, our days are a little longer, and the pollen is coating things as far as the eye can see.—
Joy Harden Bradford,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These items are coated with Teflon, a material that blocks UV rays and is of best use in warm weather climates.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Dublin congressman told KRON that the White House hopes to discredit him in the race as a frequent critic and to boost the chances of his Republican rivals.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
That is certainly one way to discredit someone.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The clash unfolds with comedic innuendos as both models inadvertently start to flirt with the same man, Charlie, the owner of the location where the photoshoot for the brand takes place.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Online, true crime fanatics have parsed through information about the case — filling in the limited details with rumor, innuendo and sometimes downright conspiracy.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The formula uses smudge-proof tubing polymers that wrap around each lash and hold up through long days without flaking or smudging.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The best lens cleaning services If your lens has persistent smudges, fungus on the inside of the lens or internal dust, professional cleaning may be necessary.—
Jacob Little,
Space.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
