Smeared: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Listed twice, no need to include it again.

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.

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.

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.