smear

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lively said the alleged smear campaign led to her losing out on acting jobs and revenue related to her alcohol and hair-care brands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Blake Lively sought more than $161 million in damages, alleging a smear campaign by Baldoni and his team harmed her reputation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

George denied the allegations and said he was the victim of a "smear campaign" aimed at covering up the actual reasons for his firing.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

The Center for Responsible Lending says the industry is “using false allegations as part of a smear campaign to distract from the clear harm caused by their products.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

Right now she was even wearing makeup: a tiny smear of brown over her eyes, black on her eyelashes, a smudge of red on her cheeks.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix