Definition

Verb: 1. To spread or apply a thick, generous, or excessive amount of a substance (like butter, sauce, or cream) onto a surface. - The action involves covering something liberally and often messily with a soft, viscous material.

Usage

The verb "slather" is used with a direct object (the surface receiving the substance) and is typically followed by "with" to introduce the substance being applied. It implies a generous, sometimes excessive, application. - Structure: to slather [something] with [a substance].

Examples

• Verb:
  • He slathered the warm toast with butter.
  • For the barbecue, she slathered the ribs with tangy sauce.
  • I always slather my skin with sunscreen before going to the beach.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: "Slather" can be used figuratively to mean applying or bestowing something non-physical in an abundant or excessive manner.
  • The author slathered praise on her mentor in the book's acknowledgements.
  • The politician slathered his speech with promises.

Variants and Related Words

• Slathering (noun/gerund): The act of applying a substance thickly.
  • The slathering of mayonnaise made the sandwich messy but delicious.

Synonyms

• Smother: To cover thickly.
• Plaster: To apply thickly or liberally.
• Coat: To cover with a layer.
• Lather: To cover with lather or foam (often used for soap).

Phrasal Verbs

Note: "Slather" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is contained in the single verb form.

Related Idioms

Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "slather" as their core component.

Verb

1. spread thickly
   • I can't eat bagels without slathering them with cream cheese