1
as in to paint
to rub an oily or sticky substance over
the toddler gleefully smeared her hair and face with maple syrup
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in slander
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of smear
Beth Demmon, Bon Appétit, 20 Nov. 2024
And they were found somewhere kind of surprising: smeared on the heads and necks of several mummies in Northwestern China.
—Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Michael A. Hiltzik, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024
Some others deleted or retracted their original smears, with varying degrees of remorse.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for smear 
Verb
Crack a can alongside a fresh loaf of bread smeared with a soft French cheese.
—Beth Demmon, Bon Appétit, 20 Nov. 2024
And they were found somewhere kind of surprising: smeared on the heads and necks of several mummies in Northwestern China.
—Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
Fauci has become a target of relentless smears by right-wingers and congressional Republicans.
—Michael A. Hiltzik, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024
Some others deleted or retracted their original smears, with varying degrees of remorse.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for smear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear
Verb
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The report painted President Biden as being determined to leave the country but fumbling preparations that set the stage for the deadly exit from America’s longest war.The Hill Staff, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
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Through his lens, Ismail Ferdous captures the delicate interplay between humanity and nature, painting a vivid portrait of people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.Donny Bajohr, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Luckily for anyone still Christmas shopping, however, the court has continued pressing Giuliani for his assets, which are expected to be sold at auction to pay for a portion of the damages owed to the plaintiffs, whom Giuliani libelled with false claims of election malfeasance.Dan Greene, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
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Angered by both the initial post and the follow-up, Mann filed a lawsuit against National Review in October of 2012, claiming that both Steyn and Lowry had not only libeled him, but were guilty of the intentional infliction of emotional distress.The Editors, National Review, 13 Mar. 2024
Noun
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Libel typically refers to defamatory statements that are published or broadcast, whereas slander pertains to verbal defamatory statements.Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024
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Here's what to know: State criminal charges tied to false liens Yang, 43, was charged in January with four counts of criminal slander of title, according to Ozaukee County Circuit Court records.Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Make sure packing paper is free of stains, smooth it out, and then use it to wrap gifts.Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
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This one also conquers mud prints, stains, odors, and whatever else your pet drags in from their outdoor adventures.Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Generously coat the inside of a large bundt pan with softened butter. 2.Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2024
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As wind blew air through a mesh coated with catalysts to extract nitrogen and hydrogen from water vapor, the device produced enough ammonia with a sufficiently high concentration for use as a hydroponic fertilizer – all without the need for additional electricity or radiation.New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Yaeger questioned why Mangum had not come forward earlier or sent apologies directly to the three former lacrosse players, long after her allegations were discredited.Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
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This response was a bold, unfiltered counterpunch meant to discredit the lawsuit, take aim at Buzbee, and flip the narrative.Molly McPherson, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The former greengrocer from south London was known for lively banter that was often laced with innuendo.The Week UK, theweek, 7 Dec. 2024
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But the innuendo about the next major contest was already flying among Democrats.Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
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The mascara features a soft, curved brush that imparts a lengthening your-lashes-but-better look and doesn't budge, flake, or smudge throughout the day.Deanna Pai, Allure, 25 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near smear
Cite this Entry
“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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