Collocations for "smear"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "smear" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
smear
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- left a smear of [lipstick, lip gloss, blood, grease, makeup] (on)
- left a smear on the [glass, cup, rim]
- had an oil smear on his [shirt, jacket]
- the [photo, screen, table] is full of finger smears
- smears all over the [photo]
- a smear on his good [name, image, reputation]
- would be a smear on her [record, career]
- smears [from, by, directed at] the press
- placed a smear under the microscope
- smear [the window, his reputation, her lipstick, the ink]
- [the window] was smeared
- smear with [butter, oil]
- smear [butter] on [bread, top, the sandwich]
- the [ink, signature, writing] smeared
- smear [easily, instantly, rapidly]
- smear [grease, it] all over [the counter, her blouse, his hands]
- smear [your opponent, them]
- a smear attack [on, against] the senator
- engaged in a smear campaign
- resorted to smear tactics
'smear' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):