as in stains
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in blackens
to make dirty
she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of smudges
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
Consistent cleaning routines and safe storage habits help prevent smudges, scratches, and buildup.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
No streaks, no smudges, no stress.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Close your eyes and Twisted Teens appear with calloused hands and dirty sweat smudges in the Louisiana humidity.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Feb. 2026
Eyeglasses Protect your eyeglasses and clear vision by using special optic cleaning cloths to remove smudges since microfiber cloths can cause delicate scratches on special anti-reflective and mirror coatings.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Also on both sides, and in a few places barely visible as smudges, is the star map.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Fingerprints, smudges, and wear are more noticeable to modern buyers, especially those with families, which has driven interest in matte finishes or smudge-resistant options.
—Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
The title of the 304-page book and its cover art, which depicts the traces of a woman beneath the smudges of makeup, hints at the layered story.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
They can be used to wipe down your phone, buff out shoe scuffs, remove smudges on eyeglass lenses, clean product off of your makeup brushes, and so much more.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
Consistent cleaning routines and safe storage habits help prevent smudges, scratches, and buildup.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
No streaks, no smudges, no stress.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Close your eyes and Twisted Teens appear with calloused hands and dirty sweat smudges in the Louisiana humidity.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Feb. 2026
Eyeglasses Protect your eyeglasses and clear vision by using special optic cleaning cloths to remove smudges since microfiber cloths can cause delicate scratches on special anti-reflective and mirror coatings.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Also on both sides, and in a few places barely visible as smudges, is the star map.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Fingerprints, smudges, and wear are more noticeable to modern buyers, especially those with families, which has driven interest in matte finishes or smudge-resistant options.
—Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
The title of the 304-page book and its cover art, which depicts the traces of a woman beneath the smudges of makeup, hints at the layered story.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
Cleaning dirt and smudges off window glass helps sunlight penetrate into your home and will boost the amount of light that’s available to your houseplants.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudges
Noun
-
In addition to spot-cleaning any stains or scuff marks on the exteriors of purses, backpacks, or luggage, double-check the interiors.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Repeat until the stains are gone.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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