Find Synonyms

smear Synonyms

Another word for smear

Choosing another word for smear depends on context, so the 31 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A mark, streak, or stain made by rubbing a greasy, wet, or sticky substance over a surface.

Usage Example

"There was a faint smudge of chocolate near the corner of the child's mouth."

Strongest
smudge
Strong
streak
stain
blotch
smirch
daub

• verb (Context 2)

To coat, mark, or stain a surface carelessly or messily with a greasy, sticky, or wet substance.

Usage Example

"The toddler managed to besmear peanut butter all over the kitchen table."

Strongest
besmear
daub
smudge
Strong
slather
spread
plaster
streak
Weak
bedizen

• noun (Context 3)

A false or malicious accusation intended to damage a person's reputation.

Usage Example

"The candidate dismissed the tabloid article as a politically motivated slander."

Strongest
slander
defamation
Strong
libel
calumny
slur
aspersion
innuendo

• verb (Context 4)

To become blurred, smudged, or messy when rubbed or touched (of ink, makeup, or paint).

Usage Example

"Wait a moment for the ink to dry so that your signature does not smudge."

Strongest
smudge
Strong
blur
run
streak

• verb (Context 5)

To damage the reputation of someone by making false or malicious accusations.

Usage Example

"Opponents attempted to slander the whistleblower's credibility before the hearing."

Strongest
slander
defame
malign
Strong
vilify
besmirch
tarnish
sully
traduce
calumniate

• noun (Context 6)

A thin sample of blood, tissue, or other bodily fluid spread on a glass slide for microscopic examination.

Usage Example

"The laboratory technician prepared a blood swab to check for abnormalities in the cells."

Strong
swab
specimen
Weak
sample

Opposites of smear

The opposite of smear shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

vindicate
tribute
clean
exonerate
praise
vindication
commendation
wipe
See all opposites of smear

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Smear. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/smear
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