smudge 1 of 2

verb

ˈsməj How to pronounce smudge (audio)
Definition of smudgenext
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

smudge

2 of 2

noun

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 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 smudge
Verb
Like that 1851 depiction of Washington, these portraits smudge the details of history in favor of a fantasy. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Powder sunscreens are having a moment as makeup wearers look for easy midday reapplication that won’t smudge foundation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 1, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Noun
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending time cleaning glass surfaces only to end up with streaks, smudges, or cloudy residue. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 These will ensure that your skin stays moisturized all day and that your contour won’t slip, pill, or smudge. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. dirty
  4. blot
  5. blacken
Verb
  • The bronze is reportedly stained lipstick-pink from fans kissing it.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Ceiling tiles were stained and chipped throughout the main cook line in the restaurant located inside the kid-friendly entertainment center.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The prosecutor’s subjective good faith does not cure the retaliatory taint.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • There’s a purity here, the course free from the taint of bureaucracy governing so much of the academy.
    — Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of taint
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Noun
  • This will likely go down as the lowest point – the blot on what has been a surprisingly bright summer.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
  • The only blot on an otherwise solid opening week for the World Cup expansion loyalists.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of blot
Verb
  • It was blackened, charred, the conductor that had drawn the single precise punch of lightning.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 July 2026
  • If basil is exposed to freezing temperatures, the result is frost damage that can cause leaves to blacken.
    — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 26 July 2026
Definition of blacken

Browse Nearby Words

smothers
smudge
smudged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smudge

Nglish: Translation of smudge for Spanish Speakers

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