smudge
8 synonyms for smudge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup.
“There was a smudge of lipstick on the coffee cup.”
How to use smudge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a smudge of ink
smudge the ink
smudge-proof
Etymology
Origin uncertain; related to the older word "smutch," meaning a smear or stain.
Full origin of smudge →Frequently asked questions
What does “smudge” mean?
The word “smudge” means a smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup. In plain terms, a blurry mark from rubbing or smearing, or the act of causing one.
How do you pronounce “smudge”?
“Smudge” is pronounced smuhj (/smʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “smudge” in a sentence?
Here is “smudge” used in a sentence: “There was a smudge of lipstick on the coffee cup.”
What part of speech is “smudge”?
Depending on how it is used, “smudge” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “smudge” have?
“Smudge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a smear or blurry mark, especially one made by dirt, ink, or makeup.
