as in smearing
to put a thick layer of a liquid, cream, etc. over (something)
We ate lobster slathered with butter. She slathered her skin with sunscreen.
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Recent Examples of slathering
Bear in mind, however, that some things aren’t worth the risk such as getting sunburned after slathering on old sunscreen or developing a rash from a skin serum that’s gone bad.
—
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025
Still, the findings hint at the possibility that eating vitamin C—not just slathering it on—could play a role in healthier-looking skin.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
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
In short, slathering exosomes onto your face after microneedling and lasers may reduce healing time and improve skin quality.
—Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
So by all means, enjoy your time in the sun and soak up that vitamin D—but stay safe, protect your skin, and keep on slathering on that SPF (minimum SPF 30).
—Julie Stewart, SELF, 17 June 2021
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025
Still, the findings hint at the possibility that eating vitamin C—not just slathering it on—could play a role in healthier-looking skin.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
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
In short, slathering exosomes onto your face after microneedling and lasers may reduce healing time and improve skin quality.
—Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
So by all means, enjoy your time in the sun and soak up that vitamin D—but stay safe, protect your skin, and keep on slathering on that SPF (minimum SPF 30).
—Julie Stewart, SELF, 17 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slathering
Verb
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The vacuum cleaner has powerful suction, 8,000 Pa, and the mop cleans without sloshing and smearing water on the floor.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
6 Jan. 2026
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Despite the controversy, most Glamour staffers can recall smearing on play makeup or stealing mommy’s moisturizer.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
13 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But there is a distinction, Kutwala said, between flying flags from one’s own property and daubing paint across the town.—
Olivia Kemp,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slathering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slathering. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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