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
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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
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Greenhaven had racked up years of health violations, including from letting untrained workers administer medications, lacking enough employees to care for people with dementia, and neglecting a resident who smeared feces over his body, bed, floor, and bathroom, the notice said.
—Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
According to Post-Tribune archives, Nelson Deuitch believes the Local 150’s claims are political theater and a smear campaign against the data center that has falsely blamed local government.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smear
Verb
Lawyers for MacInnes have accused Wilson of hiring Melissa Nathan, the American publicist of The Agency Group, to launch websites that smeared Ghost.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Greenhaven had racked up years of health violations, including from letting untrained workers administer medications, lacking enough employees to care for people with dementia, and neglecting a resident who smeared feces over his body, bed, floor, and bathroom, the notice said.
—Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
Deli meat, roasted vegetable remnants, that last smear of hummus, a few pickle slices.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
According to Post-Tribune archives, Nelson Deuitch believes the Local 150’s claims are political theater and a smear campaign against the data center that has falsely blamed local government.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear
Verb
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Eight muscular feet tall, it is carved from cork and then selectively painted—a distant echo of tribal markings.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
For an all-important sit-down dinner set inside Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper Museum, a team of Italian scenic painters—led by a woman who manages backdrops for an opera in Rome—built and painted a replica on a local soundstage that was about ¾ the size of the original.—
Mara Reinstein,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2026
Verb
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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
-
But that wasn’t the only Scheshu slander on Vanderpump Villa season 3.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
19 Apr. 2026
-
This narrative that has been created, that image that anyone who speaks against a revolution is thrown into jail, that’s a big lie, that’s a slander, and that’s part of that construct, in order to vilify and to engage a character assassination of the Cuban Revolution.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The story follows an astronaut (Kirby) who is forced to make an impossible decision after an incident with her co-pilot (Pullman) leaves an indelible stain on the mission in the days leading up to lift off, setting off a tense race against the clock.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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Regular washing prevents stains from setting into the mattress, eliminates odors, and maintains the protector's waterproof properties if applicable.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lightly coated with oil and tossed occasionally in a searing hot skillet or wok, even tough beans turn silky, and ready to coat in a finishing blast of chiles.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Crispy, minty and coated in chocolate, these addictive treats consistently remain the Girl Scouts’ bestseller.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Robert Brulle, a visiting professor at Brown University who studies fossil fuel lobbying, said ExxonMobil led efforts to discredit climate science that successfully impeded government intervention.—
Alex Kuffner,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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New science and forensics have since discredited the expert’s conclusion, prompting Gurley to throw out the convictions and order a new trial.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Both say there was no wrongdoing and for me the photos are full of innuendo unsubstantiated by proof of anything.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The comedy often leans on innuendo, turning the pickle into a stand-in for something risqué.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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