Smudge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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smudge

[smʌdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art

A blurred or smeared mark on a surface.

Synonyms

blotch, spot, stain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smudge	Used when talking about something blurry or smeared, often in the context of ink, makeup, or dirt. It implies something less defined and more spread out than a spot or stain. There's a smudge of ink on your finger. Her makeup got smudged in the rain.
stain	Used to describe a discolored or dirty mark that is usually difficult to remove. Often has a negative connotation and implies something permanent and undesirable. The red wine left a stain on the carpet. Those grass stains on your jeans are hard to wash out.
spot	Refers to small, distinct marks, dots, or areas that are different from their surroundings. Can be used in positive or neutral contexts. There is a spot of sauce on your shirt. Leopards have spots all over their bodies.
blotch	Often used to describe larger, irregularly shaped marks or discolored areas, especially on skin or fabric. It usually has a negative connotation implying something unattractive. He had a red blotch on his cheek from the sunburn. The painter left a blotch of paint on the floor.

Examples of usage

The painting had a smudge in the corner.
She tried to remove the smudge from the mirror.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cleaning

To make a blurred or smeared mark on something.

Synonyms

smear, spot, stain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smudge	Identical to the previous entry for 'smudge'. Once again, there's a smudge of dirt on the window. It really needs to be cleaned. After eating the chocolate bar, he had a smudge around his mouth.
smear	Refers to a streak or mark made by spreading a substance, such as when something is intentionally or unintentionally rubbed across a surface with some force. It often has a negative connotation, suggesting something messy or done carelessly. She accidentally smeared paint on the canvas while she was painting. The child smeared peanut butter on the table during lunch.
stain	Refers to a mark that is often difficult to remove, commonly caused by substances like wine, ink, or oil. It usually has a negative connotation, as it implies something permanent or damaging. He tried to remove the coffee stain from his shirt but it wouldn't come out. The carpet had a large stain where someone had spilled their juice.
spot	Indicates a small, usually round mark or area that is different in color or texture from its surroundings. It can appear on various surfaces, such as fabric, skin, or walls, and can be neutral or sometimes negative depending on the context. She noticed a red spot on her dress and realized she had spilled some wine. There are a few spots of mold on the bathroom ceiling that need to be cleaned.

Examples of usage

She accidentally smudged the ink on the paper.
He smudged the window with his fingerprints.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'smudge'

The word 'smudge' originated from the Middle English word 'smogen', which means to soil or stain. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe marks or stains that blur or smear a surface.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,323, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26320 plopped
26321 unraveling
26322 penguin
26323 smudge
26324 dimmer
26325 celebratory
26326 menagerie
...