crossword clue smear – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "smear," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue smear" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DAB: A small amount of something applied to a surface, often in a messy way.
4 Letters
BLOT: A spot or mark, often made by smearing something wet.
DAUB: To apply a substance to a surface in a crude or unskillful way.
5 Letters
STAIN: To mark or discolor something, often permanently, creating a smear.
SULLY: To damage the purity or integrity of something, often a reputation, similar to a figurative smear.
6 Letters
SPREAD: To distribute something over an area, which can sometimes result in a smear if done unevenly or messily.
DEFILE: To make something unclean or impure, often by smearing it with dirt or grime.
7 Letters
BESMEAR: To smear or soil with something, often implying covering something in a dirty or greasy way.
SLATHER: To spread a substance thickly or liberally, which can result in a smear.
TARNISH: To lose or cause to lose luster, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture, often referring to a reputation (a figurative smear).
ASPERSE: To attack the reputation or integrity of someone with false or misleading statements; a more formal synonym for 'smear' a reputation.
10 Letters
CALUMNIATE: To make false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation (a strong figurative smear).
More About "crossword clue smear"
The crossword clue "smear" is a classic for its versatility, often appearing in puzzles from easy dailies to challenging cryptic crosswords. Its broad range of meanings allows setters to use it for various synonyms, ranging from physical actions like applying paint or grease to more abstract concepts like damaging a reputation or character. This makes it a fascinating, albeit sometimes frustrating, clue for solvers.
When encountering "smear," consider both its literal and figurative interpretations. Is the puzzle leaning towards actions involving physical substances, like spreading butter or dirt? Or is it referring to an attack on someone's good name? The context provided by other solved clues or the puzzle's overall theme can often guide you to the correct meaning and, subsequently, the correct answer. Common synonyms like STAIN, DAUB, and BLOT cover the physical aspect, while words like SULLY, TARNISH, and CALUMNIATE address the reputational damage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by checking the number of letters required. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "smear" that have many potential answers.
- Consider Figurative vs. Literal: For clues with multiple meanings, like "smear," ask yourself if the answer should be taken literally (e.g., painting, applying) or figuratively (e.g., defaming, slandering). The surrounding clues often provide hints.
- Use Crossing Letters: The most powerful tool in your crossword arsenal! Even with a versatile clue, once you fill in a few crossing letters from other answers, the correct "smear" synonym will often reveal itself.
- Think of Related Concepts: Sometimes, expanding your thought process beyond direct synonyms to related concepts can help. For "smear," think of things that cause smears (ink, mud) or things that are smeared (reputations, bread).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "smear" have so many different answers in crosswords?
"Smear" is a versatile word with multiple meanings – literal (to spread a greasy or dirty substance) and figurative (to damage someone's reputation). This semantic richness allows for many synonyms that fit various letter counts and contexts, making it a common and challenging crossword clue.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative "smear" answers?
Context is key! Look at other clues in the puzzle. If there are clues related to reputation, gossip, or slander, a figurative answer like CALUMNIATE or ASPERSION might be correct. If other clues are about cooking, art, or cleaning, a literal answer like DAUB, SPREAD, or BLOT is more likely. The crossing letters will often confirm your choice.
What's the best way to tackle clues like "smear" that have many synonyms?
Start by identifying the word length you need. Then, brainstorm common synonyms for both the literal and figurative meanings of 'smear' for that specific length. Focus on the most common crossword answers first. If that doesn't work, use the crossing letters from other solved clues to narrow down the possibilities. Sometimes, thinking of a related phrase or idiom involving 'smear' can also spark the answer.