daub 1 of 2

verb

ˈdȯb How to pronounce daub (audio)
Definition of daubnext
1
as in to stain
to make dirty a tablecloth daubed with too many spills to ignore any longer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to smear
to rub an oily or sticky substance over he begins his nightly transformation into a circus clown by daubing greasepaint on his face

Synonyms & Similar Words

daub

2 of 2

noun

as in drawing

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 daub
Verb
Atop the reproduction, Duchamp daubed two dots of red and green in gouache, evidently inspired by snow globes sold in French pharmacies. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 5 June 2026 The calming design from Japanese architect Kengo Kuma instils a sense of peace, complemented by the villas’ light wood and white color scheme that’s daubed with splashes of ocean blues. — Lauren Keith, Robb Report, 30 May 2026
Noun
Japanese cuisine gourmands keen on the snappy, nose-tingling, eye-watering bite of wasabi that accompanies sushi might not know that green daub on their plate may actually be horseradish in disguise. — New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2025 The background resembles flames or perhaps a sunrise with thick orange daubs of paint. — Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daub
  1. stain
  2. smear
  3. drawing
  4. blacken
  5. paint
  6. portrait
  7. dirty
  8. coat
Verb
  • Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild disinfectant that kills mold and bacteria and is very helpful for light staining.
    — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Use only white, clear or purple products on your hair to avoid staining.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
Verb
  • Sweat glistened on the white foundation smeared across her face.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • One prank involved Quan, Capshaw, and Harrison Ford surprising Spielberg with ice cream smeared all over their faces for one take.
    — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of smear
Noun
  • The Florida Lotto jackpot edged up to $2 million for Wednesday’s drawing.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Displayed alongside several of Ishioka’s original design drawings, the armor offers a fascinating look at how her ideas evolved from pencil on paper into something almost anatomical.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of drawing
Verb
  • Footage shot later at daybreak showed the house gutted, charred and blackened from the inside out.
    — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Lines at Russian gas stations, crippled refineries, and images of burning oil depots blackening the sky lent credence to the narrative, as did blackouts and fuel shortages in Crimea.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of blacken
Verb
  • How can painting operate in the same space as the art of physically placing things in space, sculpture?
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The pigments were matched to sunsets painted by Turner and Monet, the sublime effects of which were caused by pollution from the Industrial Revolution, and so the work was likewise beautiful in direct proportion to the poisoning of our atmosphere.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of paint
Noun
  • Wiley noted that his role as the painter of President Barack Obama’s official portrait —mentioned by Scavino in a podcast interview—might have something to do with the work’s targeting.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Appeal for leniency Rivera has submitted about 50 letters of support to Damian, filling about 95 pages and presenting a portrait of the former congressman markedly different from the one offered by prosecutors.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of portrait
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Verb
  • Components are mixed with toxic solvents, coated onto foil, and baked in massive industrial ovens.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of bending one solid piece, the wood is cut into thin strips, coated with adhesive, stacked back together, and pressed against a curved mold.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of coat

Browse Nearby Words

datum
daub
daubed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daub. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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