What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smeary
Example
The mechanic's hands were smeary with oil and grease. [smeary: adjective]
Example
The artist created a smeary effect by smudging the charcoal on the paper. [smeary: adjective]
smudgy
Example
The child's face was smudgy with chocolate from the cake. [smudgy: adjective]
Example
The ink on the paper was smudgy and difficult to read. [smudgy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smudgy is more commonly used than smeary in everyday language, and it is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smeary and smudgy?
Both smeary and smudgy are informal and colloquial words, but smeary may have a slightly more technical or scientific connotation due to its association with oily or greasy substances.
