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
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Recent Examples of smears
Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
The five pieces offer, in turn, biomorphic hints of de Kooning, the ragged shapes of Clyfford Still, the bold geometries of Ellsworth Kelly, the paint smears of Gerhard Richter, and something that looks like toothpaste squeezed onto an orange peel.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Teachers Union leader Randi Weingarten smears Trump voters as fascists!
—The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
This chilling, starkly beautiful ambient piece draws Nebraska’s marginal whispers to the forefront and smears them across the picture plane.
—Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
The five pieces offer, in turn, biomorphic hints of de Kooning, the ragged shapes of Clyfford Still, the bold geometries of Ellsworth Kelly, the paint smears of Gerhard Richter, and something that looks like toothpaste squeezed onto an orange peel.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Teachers Union leader Randi Weingarten smears Trump voters as fascists!
—The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smears
Verb
-
The second scenario paints a more concerning picture.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
-
But, the sentiment on social media, particularly from Rebels fans, paints a different, less rosy picture.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
For tough stains, sprinkle them with baking soda and spray with vinegar.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
-
Two hours later, cops went to the family’s house and noticed a broken window and numerous red stains throughout the house.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
So c’mon, Bron; pull a couple of those Cleveland coats out of storage and give yourself one more real chance in Minnesota.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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This gel-like substance coats your gut and binds to cholesterol, preventing it from entering your bloodstream.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Squirt an all-purpose cleaner (without harsh chemicals) on your countertops to remove any remaining streaks and smudges.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
For the British Crown, such frontiers were smudges on the edge of the map.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Termini adds that, contrary to DraftKings’ insinuations, the NCAA’s deal with Genius Sports contains various restrictions on trademark use.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The feud escalated further in February, when Owens launched a multi-part series targeting Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, delving into her family background and advancing insinuations about her role in his death that were widely condemned across the conservative spectrum.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The songs spread outward from Morris’ small voice like paper towel blots.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In a city that continually anoints anoints new noteworthies in the hospitality space, The Connaught remains one of London’s long-lasting greats.—
Katharine Sohn,
Architectural Digest,
20 Mar. 2026
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The episode officially anoints a new captain for the 118 — and sees Harry considering a life fighting fires.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Amid aspersions and attack ads, the pair nearly came to blows at a community debate.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Not Calvin Klein casting gay aspersions!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smears. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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