1. To spread on or to wipe a surface with something that is sticky: "I will use a knife to smear apricot jam on my morning toast."

"The mechanic will smear the gears with grease so they will function smoothly."

2. To make malicious or secretive comments about someone: "The unscrupulous banker tried to smear his competitor by writing gossip in the newspaper."

1. An accusation or charge about someone that is without foundation: "The campaign of smear by his political opponents consisted of telling lies about his war record."
2. In medicine, A very small sample of something; such as, skin or blood which someone examines with a microscope: "The laboratory checked the patient's blood smear and discovered that malaria was a factor causing his illness."
3. A layer of a substance that is spread thinly on a surface: "She asked for a smear of jam on her toast."

1. To make dirty, to sully: "Be sure to wear an apron so you don't smirch your dress while you're washing the dishes."
2. To bring disgrace upon someone: "His negative comments seemed to smirch the reputation of his former teacher."

A smile in a shallow, smug, unpleasant, or affected manner: "While the principal was talking with him, the youth seemed not to pay attention and had a smirk on his face."