SMEAR Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

smear 1 of 2

verb

Definition of smear

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

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

smear

2 of 2

noun

as in slander

Related Words

as in stain

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

vision

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

Verb

The costume—doofy top hat, smeared white paint—suggested full commitment to the bit. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 At the entrance of Kollparay, Quispe pauses, taking my hands and smearing them with soil—the soil of her village. — Paola Miglio, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

Noun

And every fear gives birth to a smear. — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Add a smear of Irish butter for the perfect start to your day. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for smear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear

Verb

It's painted blue and white, and has a small deck area at the front that folds up for easy transport.

— Adam Williams July 10, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
In a campaign statement, Holscher said she’s being painted as an extremist for standing up for everyday people.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of paint

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

Definition of libel

Noun

And some tree fruits, such as mulberries and cherries, can leave stains on siding, roofs, and decks that are difficult to remove.

— Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
Remove Mold Stains From Painted Walls Kill mold spores and lighten moldy stains by spraying the area with undiluted hydrogen peroxide.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

Definition of stain

Verb

Visitors reach the museum via boat, and snorkel above the sculptures, which range from groups of people to a Volkswagen coated with seaweed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Lightly coat the steaks on both sides with oil and season evenly with salt and black pepper.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Definition of coat

Verb

Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Green said earlier this year that Adebayo shouldn’t be underestimated and his 83-point game against Washington shouldn’t be discredited.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of discredit

Noun

Both these films have great characters who genuinely care about one another, and both ditch the quippy, sarcastic humor that plague so many modern movies in favor of earnestness (and a dash of innuendo).

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
Just attack and make all kinds of innuendo and attacks with no substance.

— Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026

Definition of innuendo

Noun

And even outside the direct beam, the scattering of its photons through the atmosphere would create a still-bright smudge of light pollution in the surrounding night sky.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026
Interestingly, this motion blur transforms the drone into a faint, semi-transparent smudge that blends into its surroundings rather than achieving total invisibility.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Definition of smudge

Browse Nearby Words

smatters

smear

smeared

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of smear

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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