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
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Recent Examples of smudge
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Always set your glasses face up on surfaces to avoid scratching or smudging the lenses.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
Neither party escapes the occasional smudge here, a rounding there.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Verb
The water-resistant formula resists smudging and transferring under the eyes, without the impossible-to-remove downside of a waterproof mascara.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Always set your glasses face up on surfaces to avoid scratching or smudging the lenses.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Wipe any smudges and spots from the base, too.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
Neither party escapes the occasional smudge here, a rounding there.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
Verb
-
After washing new jeans, use a damp cloth to remove any lingering dyes that can stain the plastic parts and lid of your washing machine.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Police added that no evidence of postmortem fractures were found on the remains, adding that forensic investigators found soil adherence and staining that suggest the remains may have been in the ground for over five decades.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The film centered on the Environmental Protection Agency encasing the Simpsons’ hometown of Springfield in a dome after Homer taints the area’s water supply.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Take care not to touch the glands, or your hands will carry their taint to the meat.—
Maurice H. Decker,
Outdoor Life,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At Dilara Findikoglu, models looked like ladies in waiting that had risen from the dead; wearing antiquated corsetry that was dirtied and torn.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
-
As more success suddenly comes his way, McKinstry has remained the same, friendly and chuckling at his locker, dirtying his jersey and pestering opponents on the field.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Use a clean cloth to gently blot at the area without rubbing, which can damage carpet fibers.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Caring for wicker can often feel impossible (so many divots to dust), but this coffee table is easy; just blot and wipe it with a damp cloth to keep it looking pristine for many pollen seasons to come.—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wait until the first frost when the foliage has turned brown, wilted, or mushy and the stems have blackened.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
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Trader Joe’s Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettuccine alfredo is also on the list but only affects four states – Texas not included.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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