as in to stain
to make dirty
she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of smudge
Averi Baudler, People.com, 29 June 2025
Many blurring lip liners require frequent reapplication, but this one is both easy to smudge and doesn’t fade after an hour of wear time.
—Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 6 May 2025
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
Eight miles away in the distance, the popular vacation metropolis was barely visible, its concrete towers and sprawling all-inclusives a grey smudge on the horizon.
—David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Verb
Our testers noticed that this lengthening formula dried quickly without smudging — an important quality for mascara, especially during the summer — and didn’t flake or transfer over several hours of wear.
—Averi Baudler, People.com, 29 June 2025
Many blurring lip liners require frequent reapplication, but this one is both easy to smudge and doesn’t fade after an hour of wear time.
—Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 6 May 2025
Noun
Camera equipment can be expensive and delicate, but some of the most significant damage can occur from the dust, dirt and smudges that can build up from everyday use over time.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 May 2025
Eight miles away in the distance, the popular vacation metropolis was barely visible, its concrete towers and sprawling all-inclusives a grey smudge on the horizon.
—David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for smudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudge
Verb
-
The district attorney’s office was headed by Harry Connick Sr., whose 30-year tenure was stained by accusations of racial bias.—
Richard A. Webster,
ProPublica,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Ever since 2003, when the contemporary-art organization converted a Nabisco box-printing factory into a museum, the rear, south side of the space has looked out over acres of unimpressive lawn, stained by industrial residue.—
Chloe Schama,
Vogue,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The taint is caused when a chemical compound, 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA), interacts with bacteria or fungi in the wine bottle’s cork.—
Jeremy Harlan,
CNN Money,
16 July 2025
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Some argued that, given the presumptive unethical taint of such collections, human remains should be buried or otherwise respectfully disposed of.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
As more success suddenly comes his way, McKinstry has remained the same, friendly and chuckling at his locker, dirtying his jersey and pestering opponents on the field.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
-
Some were prosthetic buttocks, but others were people’s own buttocks, but in various states, like dirtied down and with partial covering.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
1 July 2025
Noun
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To minimize damage, gently blot (rather than rub) with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to absorb excess water.—
Angela Trakoshis,
Allure,
11 July 2025
-
For deep cleaning, use hydrogen peroxide for tough spots and clean the sweatband gently with a soft brush, then blot and air dry in a cool, dark place.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Rodriguez said Swift and Kelce ordered the pan-seared, blackened Mahi-Mahi ($45), served with lobster risotto, julienned vegetables and red pepper sauce.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Aug. 2025
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Each footstep sent up clouds of dust and ash, coating everything, including my mouth and teeth, in fine grit, blackening my snot and saliva.—
River Selby
August 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudge. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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