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
Relevance
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
1
as in slander
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smear
Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Elliot has a bloody nose, a mouth smeared with lipstick and is wearing a frilly pink bra and pants.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
Matt Moore, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
After the draft, the smear campaign appeared to be on — although two speeding tickets probably did not help his case.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smear
Verb
Their clothes are smeared with mud, symbolizing the earthy, devotional spirit of the journey.
—Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Elliot has a bloody nose, a mouth smeared with lipstick and is wearing a frilly pink bra and pants.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
There was a chicken-wing smear on my tuxedo—at my own wedding.
—Matt Moore, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
After the draft, the smear campaign appeared to be on — although two speeding tickets probably did not help his case.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear
Verb
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The city chose California artist Timothy Robert Smith, who has painted murals in public places such as skate parks and underpasses and was paid $50,000 for the Fort Lauderdale project.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The data paints a stark picture.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
-
Kennedy's attorneys are claiming defamation both in the form of libel and slander, and are alleging civil conspiracy to make false accusations, along with assault, battery, and more.—
Lauren Linder,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Weinberg denied the allegations and sued both women for libel and slander.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Peel-and-stick tiles are also more susceptible to surface damage (such as scratches and stains), so consider this when choosing where to install them.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Emily Brontë’s novel is a book that stains — its emotions seep through generations, its hatreds metastasize, its love transforms into something unholy and permanent.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sustainable battery design To develop the carbon spheres, Elsaesser and his research team drew inspiration from Mozartkugeln, the iconic Austrian confections made of pistachio, marzipan, and nougat and coated in dark chocolate.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Add cabbage and toss with tongs to coat.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In some of the depositions, State Farm attorneys attempted to discredit their testimony.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
During closing arguments, prosecutors used the four photographs at the center of the controversy to discredit the testimony of Link’s mother, the order says.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Cheng draws on new research for this book and promises to cut through the propaganda, innuendo, and mystery surrounding the Kims and North Korea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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But in many ways, the plot comes second to the silly jokes, innuendos, and songs.—
Robbie Griffiths,
NPR,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Wiping unsightly white smudges on your clothes with a sheet easily solves this wardrobe malfunction.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Also on both sides, and in a few places barely visible as smudges, is the star map.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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