smearily

Smearily is an English adverb describing something done in a smeared or smeary manner. It characterizes spreading, smudging, or irregular, blurred results rather than neat, precise edges. The term can apply to liquids, pigments, cosmetics, or any substance that leaves a spread pattern on a surface.

Smearily is formed from the verb smear with the adverbial suffix -ily. It is not widely attested in major dictionaries and is primarily encountered as a creative or informal coinage. Because it relies on a straightforward morphological pattern, it is understood by most English speakers, though its usage is limited to informal or descriptive prose.

Because it is stylistically marked, smearily is usually reserved for literary or humorous contexts where a deliberate sense of mess or imprecision is desired. It can convey accidental spatter or intentional smearing for effect. Example sentences: The ink spread smearily across the page, leaving blurred letters. Her makeup wore off smearily after the rain, creating blotches along the cheeks.