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
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
Wipe any smudges and spots from the base, too.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
Available in four natural-looking shades that are neither too red nor too gray, this whisper-soft powder offers a foolproof way to accentuate your arches and create the illusion of fullness without the reality of smudges or streaks.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators found palm impressions, smudges and a shoe imprints of the suspect and are hoping to collect to some DNA evidence.
—Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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
Wipe any smudges and spots from the base, too.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
Available in four natural-looking shades that are neither too red nor too gray, this whisper-soft powder offers a foolproof way to accentuate your arches and create the illusion of fullness without the reality of smudges or streaks.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators found palm impressions, smudges and a shoe imprints of the suspect and are hoping to collect to some DNA evidence.
—Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 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
-
For very stubborn food stains, Booth has had success with Scrub Daddy PowerPaste.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Garments with significant wear, damage and heavy stains, and all intimates are directed to end-of-use streams, including recycling, downcycling and responsible disposal.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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