What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
splodge
Example
The artist used a brush to create a splodge of blue on the canvas. [splodge: noun]
Example
I accidentally splodged some ketchup on my shirt. [splodged: past tense]
smudge
Example
She tried to wipe off the smudge of mascara under her eye. [smudge: noun]
Example
He smudged the charcoal to create a shadow effect. [smudged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smudge is more commonly used than splodge in everyday language. Smudge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while splodge is less common and refers to a messier and more irregular mark.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between splodge and smudge?
Both splodge and smudge are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, smudge may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than splodge.