There was a smudge of lipstick on his cheek, and his tie was loose.
Source: tatoeba (6287005)
Smudge
Synonyms for "smudge" (175 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (35)
Strong matches (53)
Related words (87)
Noun(21 words)
markmesspaint dabpastelssagescuff markscumblingslursmearssmirchsmirchessoil phsoil the clothessoiler splashesspecksplodgesplotchessplotchingspotstain
Show 1 more word
mark of cainmelanizationmelanizemephitismiasmamiremuckmuddymurknigrificationnigrifyonusoversmokepatchpilloryingplasterpoint champainpuff of smokereekreflection
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: smear, afterdamp, ash, ashes, aspersion.
- Sentence evidence is available for smudge, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from wordnet, opengloss, moby, derived_reverse, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "smudge".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "smudge"
Keep "smudge" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "smudge" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "smudge", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "smudge" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
9 entriesMore specific
8 entriesedge fadefaint markink smearpencil smearphoto blurpixel smearsoft blurtext blur
Collocations
10 entriesfingerprint smudgeink smudgeink smudge on pagelipstick smudgepencil smudgesmudge across surfacesmudge marksmudge marks on papersmudge on papersmudge with ink
Inflections
3 entriesDerivations
3 entriesSample sentences
8 total sentences available.
There was a smudge on the paper.
Source: wiktionary
Then "smudges" are in vogue,—heaps of damp combustibles placed on the windward side of the house and partially ignited, that their inky steams may smother the mosquitoes while we take our chance. I have had a "smudge" made in a chafing-dish at my bedside, after a serious deliberation between choking and being devoured at small mouthfuls; and I conscientiously recommend choking, or running the risk of it, at least.
Source: wiktionary
We had taken about ten pounds of trout; and the first procedure, after reaching the camp, was to build a smudge or smoke-fire, to drive away these abominable gnats, who, fortunately, take flight with the first whiff of smoke.
Source: wiktionary
Showing 4 of 8 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "smudge"?
Closest matches include smear, afterdamp, ash, ashes, aspersion.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "smudge"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.