to spread a liquid or a thick substance over a surface, to damage someone's reputation by publicly accusing them of something unpleasant, unreasonable, or unlikely to be true

smear on, smear one's name, smear someone's reputation

smear campaign, smear test, character smear

Formal and Informal Expressions of smear

In different contexts, you can replace 'smear' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'spread, apply' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'slather, slop' is a commonplace synonym.

smear: Explore its Definition & Usage

smear Definition

1to spread a liquid or a thick substance over a surface
2to damage someone's reputation by publicly accusing them of something unpleasant, unreasonable, or unlikely to be true

Using smear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "smear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She smeared the cream on her face.
Example
He smeared the paint on the wall.
Example
The politician was smeared in the press.
Example
The company was accused of trying to smear its competitors.

smear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for smear

Antonyms for smear

Idioms Using smear

smear on
to apply a thick layer of something onto a surface
Example
She smeared on some sunscreen before going to the beach.
smear one's name
to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or damaging information about them
Example
The company tried to smear his name after he left.
smear someone's reputation
to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or damaging information about them
Example
The journalist was accused of trying to smear the politician's reputation.

Phrases with smear

smear campaign
a planned attempt to harm the reputation of a person or organization by spreading false or misleading information about them
Example
The candidate accused his opponent of running a smear campaign against him.
smear test
a medical test in which a sample of cells is taken from a woman's cervix and examined under a microscope to check for signs of cancer
Example
It is recommended that women have a smear test every three years.
character smear
an attempt to damage someone's reputation by making negative comments about their character
Example
The article was a character smear against the CEO of the company.

Origins of smear

from Old English 'smerian', meaning 'to anoint or rub with ointment'

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Summary: smear in Brief

The verb 'smear' [smɪə(r)] means to spread a liquid or thick substance over a surface, as in 'She smeared the cream on her face.' It can also refer to damaging someone's reputation by publicly accusing them of something unpleasant or untrue, as in 'The politician was smeared in the press.' 'Smear' extends into phrases like 'smear campaign,' and idioms like 'smear on,' denoting the application of a thick layer of something.