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
PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025
Krasznahorkai eventually found a global cult audience, who recognized his distinct ability to cloak anomie, violence, and resignation, smudged with a kind of gutter comedy, within a labyrinthine syntax.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
To transport these sweets, place them in a container in a single layer to keep the tops picture perfect and smudge-free.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Verb
The noise starts to cut into detail noticeably and smudge details at ISO 12800-25600, and results are blurry at ISO 51200-102400.
—PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025
Krasznahorkai eventually found a global cult audience, who recognized his distinct ability to cloak anomie, violence, and resignation, smudged with a kind of gutter comedy, within a labyrinthine syntax.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
The feature here is McGrath’s LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4, its matte finish designed to stay in place with nary a smudge.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
To transport these sweets, place them in a container in a single layer to keep the tops picture perfect and smudge-free.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
Verb
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Scorched and stained pots and pans almost always require scraping and scouring, and cast-iron skillets can rust when soaked.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 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
-
Keep them in reserve as a sleep sock to ward off icy toes and prevent sweat and skin oils from dirtying your down sleeping bag.—
Adam Roy,
Outside,
28 Dec. 2025
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Garments can be dirtied again by the elements if air-dried outside.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Spray the mixture onto the stain and then blot with a clean microfiber cloth.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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After a few minutes, blot the area and wash the item by hand.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The footage from drone cameras shows a large area of industrial Louisville charred and blackened from smoke and fire damage.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Skip any skins that look moldy, blackened, or spoiled.—
Cathy Cassata,
Health,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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