SMUDGY Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

smudgy

adjective

Definition of smudgy

as in sooty

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Recent Examples of smudgy Lasting more than 10 minutes, the image begins eviscerated of scale and depth before slowly recovering a figure-ground relationship — from a smudgy surface to be contemplated to an image of a body moving through a landscape. — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 These tones were integral to Theron’s smudgy eyeliner at the London premiere and Hathaway’s smoky eye look at the Paris premiere. — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 17 July 2026 The processing appears slightly smudgy in some areas, and the results lack fine details. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 2 June 2026 This label maker saves you the trouble of writing out your kid’s name a million times, or dealing with smudgy permanent markers. — Cecily McAndrews, Parents, 22 May 2026 Kiko Milano Kajal also has a melty, smudgy texture that will make achieving this look a cinch. — Loren Savini, Allure, 20 May 2026 Grab Two Cloths, Not One This detail separates a smudgy wipe-down from a genuinely clear door. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026 Printed on the smudgy, if colorful, cheap wood-pulp paper that would give an entire genre its name, Amazing Stories first began distribution in April of 1926. — Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 In a moment when much pop music sounds engineered for minimum friction, Ives’ smudgy postcards from the edge constitute a real revelation. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smudgy

Adjective

Oily, sooty residue was all over the city.

— Arundathi Nair, NPR, 17 Mar. 2026
By the closer — a grim, sooty final reckoning with the events of June 13 — the colourful escapism of the Uphaar’s Bollywood posters suddenly looks half a world away.

— Mike McCahill, Variety, 17 Jan. 2023

Definition of sooty

Adjective

Hot, smoky conditions forced residents in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano to flee and created traffic gridlock from Orange County to Oceanside as the key north-south highway was impacted by multiple fires just miles apart.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The only trace left of a content shoot earlier in the day is a smidge of smokey eye makeup, while a pair of black, ankle-shattering Jimmy Choo stilettos have been replaced with khaki trainers.

— Sophie Williams, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of smoky

Adjective

Plus the formula features a milky serum-like texture that feels featherlight and absorbs fast.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
The lightweight, slightly milky formula sank into my skin quickly without feeling sticky or heavy, leaving behind a luminous finish that made my complexion look fresher almost immediately.

— Lucy Partington, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of milky

Browse Nearby Words

smudging

smudgy

smug

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“Smudgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smudgy. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of smudgy

adjective

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