as in to stain
to make dirty
she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of smudge
Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
In 2026, makeup artists predict a makeup rebellion, with perfectly imperfect glitter shadow smudged across lids, colorful mascara coating lashes, and ultra-pigmented lipsticks that stand out even further against a backdrop of velvety, natural-looking skin.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
The title of the 304-page book and its cover art, which depicts the traces of a woman beneath the smudges of makeup, hints at the layered story.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Verb
Amazon Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara A mascara that’s guaranteed not to smudge your undereye is the crowning glory of anyone’s makeup collection.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
In 2026, makeup artists predict a makeup rebellion, with perfectly imperfect glitter shadow smudged across lids, colorful mascara coating lashes, and ultra-pigmented lipsticks that stand out even further against a backdrop of velvety, natural-looking skin.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
Fingerprints, smudges, and wear are more noticeable to modern buyers, especially those with families, which has driven interest in matte finishes or smudge-resistant options.
—Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
The title of the 304-page book and its cover art, which depicts the traces of a woman beneath the smudges of makeup, hints at the layered story.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
Verb
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Novel staining technique Zankowski’s team used traceable silver and bromine markers to tag cellulose- and latex-derived binders in anodes.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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To Protect Materials The dishwater's scalding water can stain or dull aluminum cookware.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The taint of being part of the cheating 2017 Astros has worn off over the years, and Cubs fans are banging the drum for Bregman’s arrival, excited to have an offensive upgrade from Matt Shaw, who can still learn a lot from playing multiple positions and watching from the bench.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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The adventurous actress dirties up her frock and face to play the village pariah, who reeks of fish and would be no man’s idea of a suitable wife, except perhaps the one-eyed bum who sleeps in the town square.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Dip a microfiber cloth in the paste and blot the stain.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
15 Feb. 2026
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Using a slotted spoon, remove the meringues, blot on paper towels, and transfer to a large plate.—
Daniel Boulud,
Saveur,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
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And Hanceville’s fate is as murky as the fog that pours in at night, blotting out buildings and blackening the road ahead.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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