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
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Tubing formulas are also less likely to smudge or flake, and this one never does.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 19 Dec. 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
That painting is a lot more smudged.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Tubing formulas are also less likely to smudge or flake, and this one never does.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 19 Dec. 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
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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
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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
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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
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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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In all, more than 8,000 California wildfires blackened 525,223 acres, killed 31 people and burned 16,512 structures in the past year, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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While old shoes washing ashore might sound unique, this isn’t the first time that these leather shoes — well-preserved and blackened with time — have been found in the area.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
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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