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
Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Remove stubborn fingerprints, smudges, food splatters, and other dirt with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, then buff the area with a dry cloth.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 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
In Rush, chalk lines are drawn and partially wiped by hand, leaving behind smudges and residues that hover between being seen and unseen.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Jan. 2026
No more smudges, no more waiting, just swipe, draw, and create like a pro.
—PC Magazine, 19 Nov. 2025
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
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
Remove stubborn fingerprints, smudges, food splatters, and other dirt with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, then buff the area with a dry cloth.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 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
In Rush, chalk lines are drawn and partially wiped by hand, leaving behind smudges and residues that hover between being seen and unseen.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Jan. 2026
No more smudges, no more waiting, just swipe, draw, and create like a pro.
—PC Magazine, 19 Nov. 2025
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
stains
Noun
-
The enamel coating and lid seal in moisture and flavor to make your best recipes taste even better, and the coating is both non-toxic and resistant to stains.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Bathroom counters are quick to collect stains from makeup, skincare, and toothpaste.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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