as in to smear
to put a thick layer of a liquid, cream, etc. over (something)
We ate lobster slathered with butter. She slathered her skin with sunscreen.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in gobs
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 slather
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025
This includes the best barrier creams to slather onto your complexion when the temps drop below freezing (or—sorry to say it—your skin starts to flake).
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 20 Nov. 2025
Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2025
Or slather in olive oil, garlic and oregano, then dehydrate to raisin-dry.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slather
Verb
The tool’s ionic technology also helps your favorite skin-care formulas work more effectively; just flip the spatula over and glide it over your skin after slathering on your serums and moisturizer.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025
This includes the best barrier creams to slather onto your complexion when the temps drop below freezing (or—sorry to say it—your skin starts to flake).
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 20 Nov. 2025
Noun
About an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea.
—Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2025
Or slather in olive oil, garlic and oregano, then dehydrate to raisin-dry.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slather
Verb
-
Blood was smeared on the hood, roof and rear of the sedan.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Hadid appears beat up with a gash on her arm, dirt on her face, and smeared black eye makeup.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Our lament about our father’s painful passing in Florida — where there are gobs of old people but no MAID laws to make death more peaceful — morphed into an unexpected series of stories on same.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This may cause gobs of wet clay to fly sideways into the hair of other moviegoers.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
But this view illustrates exactly why he’s expected to be anointed a superstar in Milan.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
After an eager and flattering fan (Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of younger admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Fanning, who is an ambassador for the brand, opted for a slew of best sellers, including the True Match Lumi Glotion—a staple in Stewart’s kit, per her makeup artist Daisy Toye.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Povich appears in the documentary, alongside Williams, Raphael, Leeza Gibbons and a slew of producers who worked on the shows.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Wet the sticker with a few drops of water and dab it with a paper towel.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Simply dab it into the centre of the lips to complete the halo effect—soft, pillowy, and dreamy.—
Hannah Coates,
Vogue,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Other technology giants in China, including Baidu , have been pursuing similar full-stack strategies.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Also, don’t miss the custom stack of Louis Vuitton luggage, hand-painted by one of the house’s artisans, ideal for selfie moments.—
Laurie Brookins,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
To celebrate, the president wants to offer free admissions that day to the country’s national parks, a self-serving gesture, no doubt, but one that is no surprise for a man who spent much of his adult life plastering his name on the sides of buildings, airplanes and casino hotels.—
Leonard Greene,
Mercury News,
27 Dec. 2025
-
In one scene, Gracie Abrams texts Taylor a picture of the singer plastered on the side of a hotel in Indianapolis.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
23 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
While some compost enthusiasts steer clear of adding pizza box cardboard to their pile, others report no problems.—
Chris Baskind,
Treehugger,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The law means removing anything flammable, including plants, mulch, most artificial turfs, plastic rain barrels, storage sheds, trash bins, wood piles, hot tubs and patio furniture within five feet.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slather. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
