smear
verb (used with object)
to spread or daub (an oily, greasy, viscous, or wet substance) on or over something.
was smearing
-
past progressiveof smear.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
At the time, China's then foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Mr Wray was "smearing China" and had a "Cold War mentality".
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2023
He denied it and sued her, saying she was smearing him with fabrications to try to get out of her record deal.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 7, 2020
Nicholas Smith, a defense attorney for Young, said in court last month that the government was smearing his client in a way that defied “common sense.”
From Washington Post ● Nov. 28, 2017
He said the BBC was "smearing him" and the story was "much ado about nothing".
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2010
About then, Mary Toy noticed the black that was smearing off her hair onto her sweaty arms.
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
