Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

smudge

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of smudge

to make dirty
  • she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms of smudge

befoul, begrime, bemire, besmirch, blacken, daub, dirty, distain [archaic], foul, gaum [dialect], grime, mire, muck, muddy, smirch, soil, stain, sully
Words Related to smudge

contaminate, defile, pollute, taint

discolor

confuse, disarrange, disarray, dishevel, disorder, draggle, jumble, mess, muddle

colly [chiefly British dialect], crock [dialect]
Near Antonyms of smudge

decontaminate, purge, purify

disinfect, sanitize

brush, dry-clean, dust, launder, mop, rinse, scour, scrub, sweep, wash, wipe

brighten, deodorize, freshen, renew, spruce (up)

straighten (up), tidy (up)
Antonyms of smudge

clean, cleanse

smudge

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of smudge

a mark of guilt or disgrace
  • the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Synonyms of smudge

blot, brand, onus, slur, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint
Words Related to smudge

black eye, discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, guilt, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame

corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, unscrupulousness, vice
Near Antonyms of smudge

award, credit, honor

chasteness, chastity, modesty, purity, stainlessness

good, right

honesty, integrity, legitimacy, probity, rectitude, scrupulousness, uprightness

goodness, righteousness, virtuousness

fame, glory, renown, repute

Learn More about smudge

  1. See words that rhyme with smudge Dictionary: Definition of smudge Spanish Central: Translation of smudge Nglish: Translation of smudge for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up smudge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

assiduous

Listen to the pronounciation of assiduous

showing great care, attention, and effort

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. auspice Trump comments on North Korea rumors

  2. folderol Rees-Mogg dismisses Brexit changes

  3. reticent Mueller's team hesitant to testify

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games