verb Uncommon

smear

smeer

Smear (verb) means to spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily. Example: “She smeared sunscreen across her shoulders.”

verb

To spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily.

"She smeared sunscreen across her shoulders."

"Paint smeared across the canvas as he dragged the brush."

To damage someone's reputation with false or misleading accusations.

"The tabloid tried to smear the candidate with unfounded rumors."

"His rivals smeared him online before the election."

noun

A false, damaging claim meant to harm someone's reputation.

"The politician dismissed the story as a smear."

A medical test made by spreading a thin sample on a slide, especially a cervical screening test.

"She went in for her routine smear test."

How to use smear

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo spread something messily across a surface, or to attack someone's reputation with false claims.

Common pairings

smear campaign smear tactics smear test smear grease on

Word forms

smeared past tense, smears plural, smears singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “smear” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ sunscreen across her shoulders.

Etymology

From Old English smerian, "to rub with grease or oil," related to German schmieren and the word "schmear."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

View more →

spot stain blur slander blot slur sully smudge defame daub smirch smutch

Related words

see find place point office site position mark

Rhymes for smear

ear year dear hear tear bear wear near fear pear gear rear

See all rhymes for smear →

Frequently asked questions

What does “smear” mean?

The word “smear” means to spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily. In plain terms, to spread something messily across a surface, or to attack someone's reputation with false claims.

How do you pronounce “smear”?

“Smear” is pronounced smeer (/smiɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “smear” in a sentence?

Here is “smear” used in a sentence: “She smeared sunscreen across her shoulders.”

What part of speech is “smear”?

Depending on how it is used, “smear” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “smear” come from?

The word “smear” comes from Old English. From Old English smerian, "to rub with grease or oil," related to German schmieren and the word "schmear.".

Is “smear” a common word?

“Smear” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “smear” have?

“Smear” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily.

People also searched

see find place point office site position mark