smear 1 of 2

verb

Definition of smearnext
1
as in to paint
to rub an oily or sticky substance over the toddler gleefully smeared her hair and face with maple syrup

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to libel
to make untrue and harmful statements about he is willing to smear his opponent if doing so would win the election

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smear

2 of 2

noun

1
as in slander

Related Words
2
as in stain

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 smear
Verb
The bombshell discovery in the little red dot spectra was that the colors of hydrogen were smeared out across multiple shades. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 People have gone from smearing the compound on their faces to using injections, in hopes of achieving firmer, wrinkle-free skin and other anti-aging benefits. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
An international mission in March documented escalating police violence, smear campaigns fueled by public officials, persistent impunity, legal and digital threats and the ruling party's efforts to tighten its grip over the media, CPJ said. — Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026 This smear is described mathematically by a wave function which, like a classical wave, has peaks and troughs. — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear
  1. paint
  2. libel
  3. slander
  4. stain
  5. coat
  6. discredit
  7. innuendo
  8. smudge
Verb
  • Every belt buckle looks freshly yanked off the rack; every speck of signage resembles something painted 45 minutes before filming commenced that day.
    — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Nuanced, resonant verse paints a clear-eyed, profoundly loving portrait of a teen navigating the complexities of growing up.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of paint
Verb
  • In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.
    — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized.
    — George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of libel
Noun
  • David Brouillette denied the allegations in court filings and accused the unnamed ex-wife of slander, the AP reports, but she was granted a temporary protective order on behalf of the daughter in 2021.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The French influencer Eros Brousson strikes again – this time with Waffle House slander.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Definition of slander
Noun
  • The original clear stain was later painted a light green, then a dark green, then blue and is now back to green.
    — Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Whitening mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can lift surface stains gradually, though prolonged use may lead to tooth sensitivity.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of stain
Verb
  • Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil Have cleansing oils left your skin feeling coated in a greasy film?
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The baits are around the size of a matchbox and coated with fishmeal to attract raccoons.
    — Eva Flowe October 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of coat
Verb
  • Watching left-wing media try to discredit Caitlin Clark and her dedicated fan base has been a tale as old as her rookie season.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The arrival of Dutch elm disease not only ravaged these green spaces, but discredited the whole goal of aiming for such uniformity.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of discredit
Noun
  • Initial rumors were fueled by local innuendo and supported by records aligning Hemings’ pregnancies with Jefferson’s presence at his plantation home of Monticello in Virginia.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The innuendo only encouraged the bidding — and the riding jokes — with two guests ultimately taking the experience at $120,000 each.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of innuendo
Noun
  • From there, the brief was classic French-girl glam, which included a smudge of the New Smoky eye palette and brown Stylo Yeux liner on Rubin’s upper and lower lash line.
    — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Clean regularly because frequent care keeps stainless steel bright and reduces smudges.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of smudge

Browse Nearby Words

smatters
smear
smeared
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Cite this Entry

“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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