gets smeared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets smeared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being spread or applied in a messy or unclean manner, often referring to substances like paint, food, or even reputations. Example: "The paint gets smeared all over the canvas, creating an abstract masterpiece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It gets smeared on our teeth and makes us feel like grotesque, terrifying circus clowns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lumphy gets smeared with peanut butter and is tossed into the washer (22 grueling minutes of "agitation, rinse, second rinse and spin").

The New York Times - Books

That means every spectral line gets smeared out, and the broader the spectral lines, the faster the spin.

Science Magazine

Everyone is barraged by flashing animated shapes, and poor Jean Michel gets smeared in the end!

Vice

You'll be told that every time a victim gets smeared or discounted, it makes it that much more clear to rape survivors that this is acceptable public treatment.

Huffington Post

What actually happens is that the color gets smeared all over your mouth area, making you look like a clown that just punched itself in the face with a dumbbell.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We knew we'd get smeared.

The New York Times

He was trying to tell me that my notes were getting smeared.

The New Yorker

"We're all getting smeared with this brush that we're somehow greedy," Mr. Hammer said.

The New York Times

The finger approached the glass from above like some strange damp worm, then landed softly and pressed, its whorls smearing and getting smeared with wet ink.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of the dirt came off, but much of what was left behind got smeared; if anything, they looked worse than they had before.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gets smeared" in the context of reputation or character, ensure that there is a clear indication of who or what is doing the smearing to maintain clarity.

Common error

While "gets smeared" is acceptable, it may sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "is tarnished" or "is sullied" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets smeared" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something or someone is the recipient of the action of smearing. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used both literally (e.g., paint) and figuratively (e.g., reputation).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets smeared" is a commonly used passive construction, indicating that something is being subjected to the action of smearing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans both literal and figurative contexts, describing everything from physical substances to reputations being damaged. While prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, its formality is neutral, suggesting that more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. In essence, "gets smeared" effectively communicates the idea of something being marked, damaged, or negatively affected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes smeared

Uses "becomes" instead of "gets", indicating a process of smearing.

is sullied

Indicates being stained or discredited, focusing on the negative impact.

becomes tarnished

Emphasizes the loss of luster or reputation.

is daubed

Refers to being covered with a thick substance.

is slurred

Highlights being defamed or spoken ill of.

is besmirched

Implies damaging someone's reputation.

is smudged

Suggests being blurred or marked indistinctly.

is tarnished

Similar to "becomes tarnished", but in passive form.

is defamed

Highlights the act of being libeled or slandered.

is tainted

Indicates being contaminated or corrupted.

FAQs

How can I use "gets smeared" in a sentence?

You can use "gets smeared" to describe something being spread messily, like "The paint gets smeared all over the canvas", or to describe someone's reputation being damaged, as in "His reputation gets smeared by the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "gets smeared"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "becomes smeared", "is sullied", or "is tarnished".

Is it better to say "gets smeared" or "is smeared"?

Both "gets smeared" and "is smeared" are grammatically correct. "Gets smeared" often implies a process or action leading to the smearing, while "is smeared" describes the state of being smeared.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "gets smeared"?

The phrase "gets smeared" is suitable for describing physical smearing in informal contexts. For professional or academic contexts it could be more appropriate to use a synonymous such as "is besmirched" or "is defamed".