as in stained
not clean
every copy of the book that the store had was smudged
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in blackened
to make dirty
she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smudged
Essence, 12 Jan. 2026
In 2026, makeup artists predict a makeup rebellion, with perfectly imperfect glitter shadow smudged across lids, colorful mascara coating lashes, and ultra-pigmented lipsticks that stand out even further against a backdrop of velvety, natural-looking skin.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
The workers’ uniforms are smudged with stains earned underneath a car, wrench in hand.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The ink had smudged in a few places.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026
That painting is a lot more smudged.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Despite that galaxy appearing smudged over just a handful of pixels, astronomers are still able to discern something about the supernova’s galactic environment.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Without lenses or glasses, everything looks blurry and smudged.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025
Take some time to go around to each window and remove cobwebs, dust, or dirt with your vacuum and brush attachment or a broom so these aren't smudged along your window during the cleaning process.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
But, this time, her liner was doubled, stacked, and smudged, then blended into her metallic shadow.
—Essence, 12 Jan. 2026
In 2026, makeup artists predict a makeup rebellion, with perfectly imperfect glitter shadow smudged across lids, colorful mascara coating lashes, and ultra-pigmented lipsticks that stand out even further against a backdrop of velvety, natural-looking skin.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
The workers’ uniforms are smudged with stains earned underneath a car, wrench in hand.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The ink had smudged in a few places.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026
That painting is a lot more smudged.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
Despite that galaxy appearing smudged over just a handful of pixels, astronomers are still able to discern something about the supernova’s galactic environment.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Without lenses or glasses, everything looks blurry and smudged.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025
Take some time to go around to each window and remove cobwebs, dust, or dirt with your vacuum and brush attachment or a broom so these aren't smudged along your window during the cleaning process.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudged
Adjective
-
Tube benders also use stained glass, phosphorus and mercury to create other colors.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The stained clothes should be washed as soon as possible to help prevent discoloration or fading from the salty chemicals.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Now, the Beth Israel synagogue is indefinitely closed, its historic interiors blackened with ash, after authorities say a man set a fire in the building’s library in the early hours of Saturday morning.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
These chambers mimic Mars’ low-pressure atmosphere, dry conditions, and dusty surface.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t sit at home getting dusty.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Garments can be dirtied again by the elements if air-dried outside.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Dec. 2025
-
The ashes from the crematorium chimney covered the streets, sooted the rain, dirtied the snow, damaged the crops, infected every body.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
So many downtown buildings and parking areas are filthy, smelling of urine and unmaintained.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
26 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
But the full array of impacts, and the long-term costs of exposure, are still muddy.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Keep a shoe tray close for wet or muddy shoes and a bin to collect each family member's footwear.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The checklist for cleaning the kitchen was probably just washing dirty dishes, wiping down countertops, and mopping the floors.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.—
Shagun Khare,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Pine, 45, wore a classic double-breasted black suit that featured a silk lapel with a crisp white shirt and a black bowtie.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The shoes’ uppers are overwhelmingly decorated with light, wispy petals made from all-black leather.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smudged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudged. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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