smeared
An object or surface that's smeared has marks or stains spread out all over it.
When we talk about something being smeared, usually it means there's a messy or uncontrolled splatter of something like food, paint, or mud. Imagine you're eating soup with your hands and accidentally get some on the tablecloth - now it's been smeared! It can also mean that someone has intentionally applied an ointment or makeup to cover up a problem area, but in this case, we often use words like "applied" or "rubbed in" instead of smeared. The word smeared is most commonly used when describing accidents or mishaps with food, liquids, or other messy things.
How common is "smeared"?
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
verb
To spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.
Example: The artist smeared paint over the canvas in broad strokes.
Real examples of "smeared" in context
