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

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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
In my opinion, a good mascara doesn’t smudge, adds length and volume to my lashes, and shouldn't cost more than $20. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Stick with finger foods that do not require utensils and will not smudge cards or game boards. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
The formula is transfer-resistant, waterproof and smudge-resistant, helping makeup maintain its appearance through long days. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 The hit was a small smudge on Bruins ace Taylor Tinsley’s line, finishing with two strikeouts and three hits across the five innings. — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. dirty
  4. blot
  5. blacken
Verb
  • Buchanan, was responding to a burglary report at a Verizon store across the street and noticed a broken window stained with blood, per the footage.
    — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Waterproof surfaces like quartz or marble handle spills and splashes without staining.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 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
  • The only blot on an otherwise solid opening week for the World Cup expansion loyalists.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Let the cleaner sit for 15 minutes and blot the excess, or cover it with a damp cloth and leave it for up to 24 hours for heavily soiled or old, set-in spots.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Definition of blot
Verb
  • Check monthly for signs of shriveling (add moisture), blackening or softening (discard).
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Many of them, like Tubbs, were refugee Midwesterners, sick of parching droughts and devouring plagues of locusts, the insects descending in buzzing clouds thick enough to blacken the noonday sun.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of blacken

Browse Nearby Words

smothers
smudge
smudged
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Cite this Entry

“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smudge

Nglish: Translation of smudge for Spanish Speakers

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