1
as in paints
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 libels
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smears
Verb
-
While moderate by Western standards, such sentiments remain anathema to Thailand’s ruling elite, and judging by the fate of the progressive movement’s previous leadership, Natthaphong knows any intention to reform this paramount institution paints an enormous target on his back.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025 -
Fiscal policy paints a similar picture.—
Bob Haber,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Scrub any stains with a soft sponge or brush.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
This process lifts stains without increasing their surface area, which can be an issue when scrubbing by hand with a cloth or brush.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Defining Gel coats the hair in flexible, humidity-resistant polymers to form structured spirals with zero frizz.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
This finicky, formal style coats every page of the novel with an impressively even surface that doesn’t serve any deeper spiritual purpose.—
Hannah Gold,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
And nothing ages one like smudges, smears, and scuff marks all over the walls and baseboards.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
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“Smears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smears. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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