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.
His ill-fated attempt to unmask a whistleblower he thought was smearing an old colleague, was seen by some – but not all – as evidence of fierce loyalty to his own troops.
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2025
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
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
