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
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Recent Examples of smudges
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Just walking across them barefoot can leave smudges, and even clean shoes can leave visible marks.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the probe so far involved 23 search warrants and a Ford Escape SUV believed to be used in the incident identified through brake dust on the wheel well, smudges and bird droppings.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Carl had dark, greasy smudges on his cheeks to avoid detection by his targets, and was dressed in a camouflage long-sleeve hoodie and beige pants.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
Those with stainless steel appliances and a full household know the struggle of streaks, smudges, and fingerprints all over your once-shining cookware.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Just walking across them barefoot can leave smudges, and even clean shoes can leave visible marks.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the probe so far involved 23 search warrants and a Ford Escape SUV believed to be used in the incident identified through brake dust on the wheel well, smudges and bird droppings.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Carl had dark, greasy smudges on his cheeks to avoid detection by his targets, and was dressed in a camouflage long-sleeve hoodie and beige pants.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
stains
Noun
-
Stubborn stains, such as makeup, grass, and nail polish, can also benefit from a hot water wash.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Leaks, ceiling stains or granules in gutters may signal damaged or missing asphalt shingles.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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