What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slather
Example
She slathered sunscreen all over her body before going to the beach. [slathered: past tense]
Example
He slathered butter on his toast until it was dripping. [slathered: past participle]
smear
Example
She smeared a little bit of lipstick on her lips before heading out. [smeared: past tense]
Example
He accidentally smeared paint on the wall while trying to touch up a spot. [smeared: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smear is more commonly used than slather in everyday language. Smear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slather is less common and often associated with indulgence or excess.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slather and smear?
While smear is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, slather is more formal and may be used in more specific contexts, such as cooking or skincare.
