Smeared: meaning, definitions and examples

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smeared

[smɪəd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in art

To spread or daub (a surface) with an oily, greasy, or sticky substance in a carelessly or unskillful way.

Synonyms

daub, smudge, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smeared	Used when something is spread unevenly, often relating to substances that are wet, oily, or sticky. It can have a negative connotation when referring to dirt or mess. The paint was smeared across the canvas, creating a messy effect. She smeared butter on the bread before making the sandwich.
spread	Used to describe distributing something over a surface or area evenly. It has a neutral to positive connotation and is often used in cooking or general descriptions. She spread the peanut butter evenly on the slice of bread. The news about the event spread quickly through the town.
daub	Often used when referring to applying a substance carelessly or in a rudimentary fashion. It implies a lack of skill or precision. He daubed the walls with paint, not caring about how it looked. Children daubed mud on their faces while playing outside.
smudge	Typically used when something is marked or blurred, often unintentionally. It may carry a slightly negative connotation, especially when referring to dirt or stains. He accidentally smudged the ink on the paper with his hand. There was a smudge on her glasses, making it hard to see clearly.

Examples of usage

The artist smeared paint all over the canvas.
She smeared the clay on the sculpture to add texture.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in reputation

To damage the reputation of (someone) by false accusations; slander.

Synonyms

besmirch, defame, slander.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smeared	This word is often used when talking about spreading a substance over a surface or when talking about a reputation that has been unfairly damaged. It's usually more neutral and less formal. He smeared the paint across the canvas. Her good name was smeared by lies.
slander	This word is commonly used in legal contexts to describe the act of making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. It has a very negative connotation. The celebrity sued the magazine for slander. He was arrested for slandering his neighbor.
defame	Often used in legal or formal contexts, this word means to damage someone's reputation by making false statements. It carries a strong negative connotation and implies serious harm. The actress filed a lawsuit claiming the article defamed her. False accusations were made to defame the politician.
besmirch	This word has a more formal and dramatic tone, often used in literature or more serious accusations. It implies soiling or tarnishing someone’s reputation. He was accused of trying to besmirch her honor. The scandal besmirched the family name.

Examples of usage

The tabloid smeared the celebrity with false rumors.
He was unfairly smeared by his political opponents.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

makeup

A cosmetic that is spread over the face to give a smooth and even complexion.

Synonyms

cosmetic, foundation, makeup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smeared	Listed twice, no need to include it again.
cosmetic	This word refers to products applied to the body, especially the face, to enhance or alter appearance. It can also describe something superficial or related to beauty. She went shopping for cosmetic products at the mall.
foundation	In the context of makeup, foundation is a cosmetic product applied to the face to create an even, uniform color and cover flaws. It is usually the first step in applying makeup. She applied foundation before the rest of her makeup.
makeup	This general term refers to various products applied to the face or body to change appearance, including lipstick, foundation, eye shadow, and more. Her makeup looked flawless for the party.

Examples of usage

She applied a thin layer of foundation as a base makeup.
The makeup artist used a smudge-proof smear for the photoshoot.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'smeard,' which means to smear or spread.
It is related to the Middle Dutch word 'smeren,' indicating a long history of usage across cultures for messy actions.
In some contexts, it has evolved to describe not just physical spreading, but also figurative meanings such as damaging reputations.

Art

Many artists utilize smearing techniques to create texture in paintings, often seen in Impressionist artwork.
Smeared paint can evoke emotions, as seen in the works of Vincent van Gogh, where thick, swirling strokes create dynamic feelings.
In modern digital art, smearing tools are used in software to blend colors, mimicking real paint techniques.

Psychology

Smeared faces can be unsettling in imagery, as they tap into emotional responses related to distortion and chaos.
Studies in perception show that when images are smeared, people may feel uncomfortable due to uncertainty about the depicted object's identity.
The act of smearing can be symbolic in therapy, representing the release of pent-up emotions or stress.

Popular Culture

In many movies, smeared makeup often signifies a character’s emotional breakdown or distress.
The phrase 'smeared reputation' frequently appears in media, highlighting the impact of gossip and rumors on individuals.
Smeared food in comedic films is often used for slapstick humor, making characters seem silly and relatable.

Science

In microbiology, a smear test involves spreading a sample over a surface for examination under a microscope.
Forensic scientists may analyze smeared substances at crime scenes to identify substances and gather evidence.
Smeared layers can be significant in geology; sedimentary rocks often exhibit layers of smearing that indicate past environmental conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "smeared" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchado

🇮🇳 धब्बेदार

🇩🇪 verschmiert

🇮🇩 bercak

🇺🇦 розмазаний

🇵🇱 rozmazany

🇯🇵 にじんだ

🇫🇷 taché

🇪🇸 manchado

🇹🇷 bulaşmış

🇰🇷 번진

🇸🇦 ملطخ

🇨🇿 rozmazaný

🇸🇰 rozmazaný

🇨🇳 涂抹

🇸🇮 razmazano

🇮🇸 smitandi

🇰🇿 боялған

🇬🇪 დამღვრეული

🇦🇿 ləklənmiş

🇲🇽 manchado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,560, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16557 puffed
16558 skillet
16559 shouldered
16560 smeared
16561 lamentable
16562 infringe
16563 shun
...