Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With the mayor’s vocal support, Mr. Bratton put broken-windows policing to work, arresting “squeegee men” who smeared dirty rags across motorists’ windshields, holding them hostage for a “contribution.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The shelter in the town hall car park has excrement smeared on the floor and reeks of urine.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Coating cools while dripping from an arm, smiles askew send mixed signals, smeared eyes like they’d been up late partying with the tarts, blemishes, cracked sugary skin.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

Families of patients who suffered or died after they caught infections in Scotland's largest hospital say they were "lied to", "demeaned" and "smeared".

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Aunt Kitty must have been on her hands and knees in the dirty cellar, because a big patch of mud was smeared across the lower part of her gown.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan