smear

/smɛr/

Definitions

1. verb

to spread or apply a substance, such as a liquid or a paste, to a surface

“She tried to smear the grease off her jeans, but it just wouldn’t come off.”

2. verb

to give a false or misleading impression of

“The politician’s words were meant to smear his opponent’s reputation.”

3. noun

a small amount of a substance, such as grease or soot, that has been spread over a surface

“There was a smear of grease on the floor where the car had leaked.”

4. noun

a false or misleading statement or accusation

“The smear campaign against the politician was a clear example of dirty politics.”

5. noun

a small, unnoticeable stain or mark

“There was a tiny smear on her dress, but it wasn’t noticeable.”

Synonyms

  • mark
  • smeared
  • smudge
  • spread
  • stain

Antonyms

  • clean
  • clear
  • erase
  • remove