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
Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and smudges.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
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
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
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
But the writer-director smudges the lines separating an ancient evil from a sordid but disappointingly non-supernatural crime.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
Use the air blower, instead of blowing air from your mouth, as saliva and moisture can create unnecessary smudges.
—Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and smudges.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
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
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
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
But the writer-director smudges the lines separating an ancient evil from a sordid but disappointingly non-supernatural crime.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudges
Noun
-
Dyson’s powerful motor sucks up everything from dirt and dust to spills and stains on carpet, tile, and hardwood flooring using a smart sensor to indicate dirt levels.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Officers also reportedly saw blood stains on Soto’s shoes, jacket, and shirt.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
18 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 25 Mar. 2026.
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