as in smearing
to rub an oily or sticky substance over
the toddler delightedly bedaubed herself with her mother's makeup
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bedaubing
Verb
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This dedication centers Sophie and Benedict’s second meet-cute, when the two cross paths at a country house where Benedict is attending a party and where Sophie is now working, after being unable to find a position in London thanks to her stepmother smearing her reputation.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026 -
This will lead to smearing dust particles around instead of picking them up, which is where a wet cloth comes into play.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Low Commitment For those looking to dip their toe into a new color trend, Kelly advises painting a vanity, using a new tile in a niche or backsplash, or simply playing with color through accessories and textiles.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2026
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Ceilings Often affectionately referred to as the 'fifth wall' of a room, painting a ceiling is one of the top tips designers recommend for making a room feel bigger.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This practice of coating paper with wax dates back through the 19th century, as a way to keep moisture and odors out of different food items.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
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The sun comes out, coating the top layer of the icy snow with water, and suddenly, the track is a half-second faster.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Bedaubing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bedaubing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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