Smears

Answer:

TARS

Hint:

Think of the sticky black substance used on roads or ships that can also leave dark marks when spread.

Explanation:

Smears" hints at the answer "TARS" by playing on two meanings. First, "tars" can refer to thick, sticky substances (like coal tar) that can smear or stain surfaces. Second, it’s a homophone for "tars" as in the black, gooey material used in road surfacing—something that literally smears when applied. The clue cleverly uses the verb "smears" to point to both the action and the substance itself.

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