as in stains
a mark of guilt or disgrace
the president's spouse must not have the slightest smudge of scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in blackens
to make dirty
she accidentally smudged her collar with the lipstick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of 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
That extra step helps remove streaks, smudges, and dullness, especially on surfaces that catch the light.
—Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Glass patio doors are one of the best features a home can have — until they’re covered in smudges, water spots and a thin film of grime that makes the outdoors look overcast even on a sunny day.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Sunlight reveals streaks and smudges that are invisible under indoor lighting, so step outside or look at the glass from the patio side before calling the job done.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Some of her hair is clipped on top, while some messy bangs fall forward over her eyes, which visibly have makeup smudges under them.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
To make your windows sparkle, make sure there are no smudges obscuring the spring sunlight.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
The best lens cleaning services If your lens has persistent smudges, fungus on the inside of the lens or internal dust, professional cleaning may be necessary.
—Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
But the writer-director smudges the lines separating an ancient evil from a sordid but disappointingly non-supernatural crime.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
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
That extra step helps remove streaks, smudges, and dullness, especially on surfaces that catch the light.
—Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Glass patio doors are one of the best features a home can have — until they’re covered in smudges, water spots and a thin film of grime that makes the outdoors look overcast even on a sunny day.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Sunlight reveals streaks and smudges that are invisible under indoor lighting, so step outside or look at the glass from the patio side before calling the job done.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Some of her hair is clipped on top, while some messy bangs fall forward over her eyes, which visibly have makeup smudges under them.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
To make your windows sparkle, make sure there are no smudges obscuring the spring sunlight.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
The best lens cleaning services If your lens has persistent smudges, fungus on the inside of the lens or internal dust, professional cleaning may be necessary.
—Jacob Little, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
Cleaning dirt and smudges off window glass helps sunlight penetrate into your home and will boost the amount of light that’s available to your houseplants.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
But the writer-director smudges the lines separating an ancient evil from a sordid but disappointingly non-supernatural crime.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudges
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
-
As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The songs spread outward from Morris’ small voice like paper towel blots.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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