smudge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'smudge' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a mark made by smearing or smudging something, or to an impression made by smearing, smudging, or rubbing something. For example: The artist used her finger to smudge the pastel paint on the canvas and create a greyish hue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He and his kind will be carried away, cast out, "into nothingness, until no speck or smudge" remains.

The Economist

Besides, Europe is about deal-making, about fudge and smudge, about warm exhortations meaning nothing precise.

The Economist

Every 33 years it is visible through telescopes as a faint smudge, as its orbit carries it past the sun and solar heat vaporises some of the frozen gases of which it is partly composed.

The Economist

Every few minutes, a black smudge, smattered with muddy puddles, denotes a coalmine.

The Economist

All I can tell you is he is not describing Illinois and Chicago politics".It may have been impossible for Mr Obama to rise from the muck of Illinois without a smudge on his navy suit.

The Economist

The statue stands outside the church; heavy rains have now rendered the "tears" a mere smudge on the left side of the face, but this has not stopped the devout from bringing flowers, praying, and taking photographs.

The Economist

This year, if those who study the comet have done their sums correctly, people living in East Asia, Australia and North America could be treated to just such a show: a meteor storm.Every time the comet passes the sun, the evaporation that releases the gases which produce the smudge also liberates zillions of dust particles.

The Economist

The three nationalist parties, one representing each of the main communities, are almost states unto themselves: they still win most of the elections, control most of the media and dole out most of the patronage.Whereas Dayton depends on the precise apportionment of power and responsibility, the essence of these parties is to smudge distinctions.

The Economist

But the company that operates the orbiting camera, Malin Space Science Systems of San Diego, California, says that the white smudge looks like the craft's parachute.

The Economist

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected]'s Jewish lobbySIR – Lexington's article on the Jewish lobby (April 6th) commits the error most likely to smudge any clarity in the war on terror: confusing one group of terrorists with another.

The Economist

The white smudge is also several hundred metres from a disturbed bit of ground that looks as though it has been singed by a rocket.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smudge" in the context of digital art or photo editing, remember that it refers to a tool or technique that blends or softens edges, creating a less defined appearance. Ensure the level of "smudge" aligns with the desired aesthetic effect.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the "smudge" tool in digital art, as it can lead to a loss of detail and a generally blurry or undefined final image. Balance its use with other techniques to maintain clarity and sharpness.

Linguistic Context

The word "smudge" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a smear or blurred mark. As a verb, it describes the action of making something smeared or blurred, which is consistent with Ludwig AI analysis. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "smudge" is a versatile word, functioning as both a noun and a verb, typically describing a blurred mark or the act of creating one. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely used. "Smudge" frequently appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its relevance across various contexts. While the word "smudge" is versatile, remember that it commonly refers to marks or blurring. Alternatives like "blur" or "smear" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. It's crucial to consider the context when utilizing "smudge" to maintain clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blur

Refers to making something unclear or indistinct, similar to creating a "smudge".

smear

Indicates spreading a substance messily, much like the action that creates a "smudge".

mark

A general term for a stain or discolouration, which a "smudge" can be.

blur the lines

Idiomatic expression signifying to obscure distinctions, metaphorically similar to a "smudge" obscuring clarity.

obscure

Means to make unclear or less visible, akin to how a "smudge" can hide details.

stain

Suggests a discoloration or mark that is often unwanted, similar to a "smudge".

blot

A spot or stain, like a "smudge", that mars a surface.

dirty mark

A straightforward description of a mark that resembles a "smudge".

grime

Refers to ingrained dirt or "smudge" that is difficult to remove.

streak

A line or band of color, similar to a "smudge", that stands out against a background.

FAQs

How can I use "smudge" in a sentence?

You can use "smudge" as a noun to refer to a mark or blur (e.g., "There was a "smudge" of ink on the paper") or as a verb to describe the act of blurring or smearing something (e.g., "He accidentally smudged the drawing").

What is the difference between "smudge" and "smear"?

Both "smudge" and "smear" refer to spreading a substance, but "smudge" often implies a softer, less defined spreading, while "smear" can suggest a more deliberate or forceful spreading action.

What are some synonyms for "smudge"?

Synonyms for "smudge" include "blur", "smear", "stain", "blot", and "mark". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the word "smudge"?

"Smudge" is appropriate when describing a soft, indistinct mark or blur. It can also be used in the context of cleansing rituals involving smoke, or in digital art to describe a blending effect. It is a versatile word suitable for both formal and informal contexts.