Smear paintings are characterized by their use of broad strokes and blurred lines to create a hazy, dream-like effect. Synonyms for this style of painting include impasto, to describe paintings that are thickly applied, and chiaroscuro, which refers to the use of light and dark to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality. Other synonyms include blended, blurred, and softened, all of which suggest a lack of clarity or precision in the application of paint. Some artists may also use terms such as abstract expressionism, gestural painting, or action painting to describe this style, which is often associated with the work of artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.