Advertisement

Advertisement

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

Discover More

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.

The FPOe, founded by former Nazis, dismissed the criticism as a "smear campaign", saying Dinghofer was a "victim of the Nazi regime".

Read more on Barron's

Lawyers for the reservists argued in the news conference that their clients were the victims of a smear campaign orchestrated by Tomer-Yerushalmi.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hard, waking just before the Atocha station to enjoy a jamón sandwich with grated tomato and olive oil as a smear.

Read more on Salon

She quickly wrapped a kelp frond around her torso, smeared sand over her limbs, placed seashells on her head, and nestled into the ground.

Read more on Literature

About 50 vehicles have been smeared with what appears to be human blood in the German city of Hanau near Frankfurt, police say.

Read more on BBC

Advertisement

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Browse