Smearing: meaning, definitions and examples

Smearing is used when something is applied in a careless or messy way, often implying a thin and uneven application. It can also carry a negative connotation when referring to ruining someone's reputation.

• The child was smearing paint all over the table.
• The politician accused his opponent of smearing his good name.

Spread is used when something is applied over an area in a smooth and even way, covering a wide surface. It often applies to substances like butter, jam, or information.

• She spread butter on her toast.
• The news spread quickly throughout the town.

Coat is used when something is applied evenly and thoroughly on a surface, often to protect or cover it completely.

• She coated the cookies with chocolate.
• He applied a coat of paint to the wall.

Daub is used when something is applied roughly or quickly, often implying a lack of precision or care. It is typically used for thicker substances and may have a slightly negative undertone.

• He daubed some plaster on the wall to cover the crack.
• The artist daubed colors onto the canvas without much thought.

Again, 'smearing' can be used when describing the act of spreading harmful or false information to harm someone's reputation, often implying malice.

• The campaign was full of smearing tactics, with each side trying to discredit the other

Specifically refers to spoken false statements that damage a person's reputation. It is often used in legal or formal discussions.

• She decided to take legal action for slander after her coworker spread untrue rumors about her at the office

Generally used in legal contexts to describe the act of damaging someone's good reputation through false statements. It includes both slander (spoken) and libel (written).

• The company sued the tabloid for defamation after it published false stories about its products

This word is often used in more formal contexts to describe a false and defamatory statement designed to damage someone's reputation. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• The artist filed a lawsuit, stating that the gossip was nothing but pure calumny intended to ruin his career