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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of smudges
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
Those with stainless steel appliances and a full household know the struggle of streaks, smudges, and fingerprints all over your once-shining cookware.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Dripping glitter, shimmering adhesive crystals, dramatic slashes of eyeliner and smudges of eyeshadow—there was a playful, shifting experimentalism here, to signal the young characters’ changeability and ingenuity.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 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
They can be used to wipe down your phone, buff out shoe scuffs, remove smudges on eyeglass lenses, clean product off of your makeup brushes, and so much more.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 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
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
Those with stainless steel appliances and a full household know the struggle of streaks, smudges, and fingerprints all over your once-shining cookware.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Dripping glitter, shimmering adhesive crystals, dramatic slashes of eyeliner and smudges of eyeshadow—there was a playful, shifting experimentalism here, to signal the young characters’ changeability and ingenuity.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 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
They can be used to wipe down your phone, buff out shoe scuffs, remove smudges on eyeglass lenses, clean product off of your makeup brushes, and so much more.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 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
-
In some cases, washing white clothes in hot water can help remove stains and maintain brightness.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Items must be returned in new condition, without stains, tears, damages, or signs of use.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.
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