1
as in to paint
to rub an oily or sticky substance over
the toddler gleefully smeared her hair and face with maple syrup
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in slander
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of smear
Greg Wehner, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024
The roads are smeared with a mulch of mud and wet leaves, and flooded in places by relentless rain.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
David Ingram, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024
The families of the Hillsborough victims fought for years — and in the face of terrible smears from the media, police and politicians — to secure an inquest verdict of unlawful killing, rightly a gross injustice.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for smear 
Verb
The left's long history of smearing 'MAGA' and conservatives
The 'Fox & Friends' co-hosts react to the Democrats and media mocking Trump supporters as key voting blocs shift ahead of the election.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024
The roads are smeared with a mulch of mud and wet leaves, and flooded in places by relentless rain.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
Grok has also spread smears against Harris, the Democratic nominee for president.
—David Ingram, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024
The families of the Hillsborough victims fought for years — and in the face of terrible smears from the media, police and politicians — to secure an inquest verdict of unlawful killing, rightly a gross injustice.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for smear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smear
Verb
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Vanishing sacks: After a season of painting weekly masterpieces, Broncos DC Vance Joseph couldn’t draw himself a consistent path through the Chargers’ offensive line.Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 19 Dec. 2024
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Today the city's ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the roof of a ticket office is painted with the shape of a massive blue and white shield.Lauren Frayer, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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After months of contentious testimony, a seven-member jury found unanimously that Heard had libeled her ex and awarded him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 Dec. 2024
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Even if the jury found Trump was libeled, a money award would involve proving his reputation was damaged.Pat Beall, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander.Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2024
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Libel typically refers to defamatory statements that are published or broadcast, whereas slander pertains to verbal defamatory statements.Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Pre-moistened cat wipes can help remove stains without irritating their skin.Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
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From there, use a clean, soft toothbrush to remove any lingering stains and wipe off with a clean cotton cloth to dry and remove any excess oil.Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Generously coat the inside of a large bundt pan with softened butter. 2.Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2024
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As wind blew air through a mesh coated with catalysts to extract nitrogen and hydrogen from water vapor, the device produced enough ammonia with a sufficiently high concentration for use as a hydroponic fertilizer – all without the need for additional electricity or radiation.New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Yaeger questioned why Mangum had not come forward earlier or sent apologies directly to the three former lacrosse players, long after her allegations were discredited.Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
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This response was a bold, unfiltered counterpunch meant to discredit the lawsuit, take aim at Buzbee, and flip the narrative.Molly McPherson, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The former greengrocer from south London was known for lively banter that was often laced with innuendo.The Week UK, theweek, 7 Dec. 2024
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But the innuendo about the next major contest was already flying among Democrats.Joanna Allhands, The Arizona Republic, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
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The mascara features a soft, curved brush that imparts a lengthening your-lashes-but-better look and doesn't budge, flake, or smudge throughout the day.Deanna Pai, Allure, 25 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near smear
Cite this Entry
“Smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smear. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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