smear
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for smear, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To spread a soft or sticky substance across a surface, often messily.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use smear
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English smerian, "to rub with grease or oil," related to German schmieren and the word "schmear."
Full origin of 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.