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
Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
Vinegar is a fast, fume-free cleaner that cuts grease, smudges, and grime before guests arrive.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026
No more smudges, no more waiting, just swipe, draw, and create like a pro.
—PC Magazine, 19 Nov. 2025
Just walking across them barefoot can leave smudges, and even clean shoes can leave visible marks.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the probe so far involved 23 search warrants and a Ford Escape SUV believed to be used in the incident identified through brake dust on the wheel well, smudges and bird droppings.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Carl had dark, greasy smudges on his cheeks to avoid detection by his targets, and was dressed in a camouflage long-sleeve hoodie and beige pants.
—Devon O’Neil, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025
Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
What To Know About Cleaning Stainless Steel Stainless steel easily shows off any fingerprints, smudges, or oils because of its reflective surface.
—Verb
Dim sunlight smudges skies for only a few hours in the depth of winter.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudges
stains
Noun
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Snag it in black, white, green, blue, or maple or walnut wood stains in sizes ranging from 4 by 4 inches to 8 by 10 inches.—
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Additional Tips Avoid using hairspray to clean nail polish stains.—
Cite this Entry
“Smudges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudges. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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