smudge 1 of 2

verb

ˈsməj How to pronounce smudge (audio)
Definition of smudgenext
as in to stain
to make dirty she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smudge

2 of 2

noun

as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of smudge
Verb
Finish with a tubing mascara, which is less likely to run or smudge throughout the day. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 July 2026 The color was also gently smudged below her lower lashes, winging ever so faintly upward at the outer corner. — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026
Noun
No matter what color or finish is in during a particular season, true high-net-worth nails will always be centered on cared-for cuticles, immaculate polish placement (no smudges, chips, or flooding), and minimalist or neutral designs. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026 Be sure to clean up smudges with a cotton swab lightly dipped in makeup remover. — Micaela English, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
  1. stain
  2. taint
  3. dirty
  4. blot
  5. blacken
Verb
  • But even the most dependable pieces eventually become too stained, scratched, or mismatched for food storage.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Clark’s denim featured unique distressing, looking as if the denim was once white and stained with coffee.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • Even though Thiam denied knowledge of it and was cleared of involvement, the taint of the scandal led to his ouster.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • On top of worrying about making great wine, European producers will now have to mitigate against smoke taint, save their grapes from frost, and consider how to future-proof vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of taint
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Noun
  • If especially juicy, lightly blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Once the stain is gone, blot again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow the upholstery to air-dry completely.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of blot
Verb
  • Corbin uses cabbage as an anchor in his new and expanding Rolodex of flavors, thrusting it into the fire until the outer layers are blackened and frizzled.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Timber Fire Monterey County’s Timber Fire burning near Big Sur has blackened nearly 2,500 acres since its start Monday afternoon and is 5% contained.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of blacken

Browse Nearby Words

smothers
smudge
smudged
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Cite this Entry

“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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