smear

Definition for smear

verb as in rub on, spread over

Strongest matches

besmirch, blur, coat, dab, daub, plaster, smudge, spatter, spray, sprinkle, stain, sully, taint, tar, tarnish

Strong matches

apply, bedaub, cover, defile, dirty, discolor, overlay, overspread, patch, slop, soil

verb as in tarnish a reputation

Strongest matches

besmirch, blacken, defame, malign, slander, sully, taint, vilify

Strong matches

asperse, befoul, blackguard, blister, calumniate, defile, denigrate, discolor, hit, libel, pan, rap, scorch, slam, slur, traduce

Weak matches

bad-mouth, drag through mud, give a black eye, poor-mouth, rip up, sling mud

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"These incidents come after months of smears and rhetoric by activists, politicians, and the media comparing ICE law enforcement to the Nazi Gestapo, kidnappers, and the Secret Police," a senior official said at the time.

From BBC

The Discayas were summoned by the Senate and the House of Representatives for investigations, and authorities blacklisted their firm, while protesters smeared the gates to their office with mud and spray-painted the word "thief".

From BBC

"The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!"

From BBC

It arrived with more irreverence, roasted garlic for spreading before the tomato smear.

From Salon

Between 4 and 11 September, four synagogues and a private residence in Golders Green had a substance smeared on them, the Met Police has said.

From BBC

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smear

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