smear
verb (used with object)
to spread or daub (an oily, greasy, viscous, or wet substance) on or over something.
smeared
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past participleof smear.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof smear.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
smearverb (used with object)to spread or daub (an oily, greasy, viscous, or wet substance) on or over something.
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.
Lean and wet and smeared with grass, he introduces himself as Lincoln Hedberg from New Jersey.
From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026
Kyle Jamieson smeared three sixes in his unbeaten 38 and was left stranded when Robinson bowled Henry for his fourth Test five-for.
From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026
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
“It almost looks like Cheeto dust,” she said, “like somebody had Cheetos on their fingers and just smeared it on the landscape.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 26, 2026
Ferrets, weasels and stoats, their faces smeared with moist dark earth, popped out of the ground in the oddest of places.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
