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
Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 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
Even our unimpressive ancestors, which appear as tiny flukelike fossil smudges in the rocks, and which bear the first tentative hints of a backbone, make a cameo here.
—Peter Brannen
august 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
An ultrasonic cleaner gently removes smudges, oil, and makeup—even around the nose pads and hinges—without scratching your lenses.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 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
Even our unimpressive ancestors, which appear as tiny flukelike fossil smudges in the rocks, and which bear the first tentative hints of a backbone, make a cameo here.
—Peter Brannen
august 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 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
-
From pretreating stains to drying methods and brightening tricks, here’s exactly how to wash white towels the right way.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
After the hat has cooled, Rosa—a factory floor veteran of 30 years—will steam it to relax the fur’s fibers, and then inspect it for stains and imperfections.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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