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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word smooth different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of smooth are bland, diplomatic, politic, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When might bland be a better fit than smooth?

While in some cases nearly identical to smooth, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

In what contexts can diplomatic take the place of smooth?

The synonyms diplomatic and smooth are sometimes interchangeable, but diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

Where would politic be a reasonable alternative to smooth?

In some situations, the words politic and smooth are roughly equivalent. However, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When can suave be used instead of smooth?

The words suave and smooth are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When would urbane be a good substitute for smooth?

The words urbane and smooth can be used in similar contexts, but urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of smooth
Adjective
With a bright blend of red fruit flavors and a hint of spice and earthy undertones, balanced by a smooth, medium-bodied structure and a long finish, the wine is a sublime match for the duck’s dark, savory flavor. AFAR Media, 20 May 2025 Follow these steps, remembering to use light, smooth strokes throughout: To begin, strip down to bare skin. Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
Verb
The Red Sox may be hoping a similar meeting in Kansas City can smooth things over with their star player. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 10 May 2025 Her super long ponytail, which was teased and smoothed with Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler Chrome, is not-so-rudely interrupted by tiers of bulbous rings of red hair. Marci Robin, Allure, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Practical welt pockets, button closures, and adjustable cuffs maintain functionality, while thoughtful tonal stitching keeps the aesthetic sophisticated.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Micro-fulfillment centers come with their own risks, such as a heavy reliance on sophisticated robotics that can cause disruptions if errors occur.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • With summer approaching, the Milky Way becomes easier to see, but spotting it won't be as simple as looking up at the sky.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Joe Biden's exit from American politics was never going to be easy.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Three Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters early on Monday afternoon that there had been calm since midday, with no sound of drones or warplanes.
    James Mackenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • These products help restore the skin's microbiome balance, calm inflammation, and promote a healthier complexion.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • On Monday's episode of The Tonight Show, the Mission: Impossible star teamed up with host Jimmy Fallon to facilitate a surprise reunion between a U.S. Navy sailor and his mom after two long years apart.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • Organizations must understand how to utilize FHIR modularity to facilitate scalable data exchange across institutions.
    Arunkumar Paramasivan, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • It’s shaved into unruly ribbons, and half the contents spill from the sandwich.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • Wall Street's rebound came after the U.S. and China said in a joint statement earlier Monday that the U.S. will shave tariffs on Chinese goods down to 30 percent from as high as 145 percent.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Instead of replacing her creativity, AI amplified it by providing structured and consistent feedback, giving her more time to polish her jokes.
    Jeanne Beatrix Law, The Conversation, 7 May 2025
  • Polish with Microfiber Cloth Use a microfiber cloth to polish the mirror after squeegeeing.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Much of the aesthetic was defined by long-slung, horizontal homes that were intended to emulate the graceful expanse of the midwest Prairie.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025
  • Certainly, the words graceful or athletic do not come to mind.
    Ernie Cowan, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts say these are all the benefits of this simple exercise Is Zone 2 cardio best for fat loss?
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Simple Systems: Create ease and flow with simple back-end structures and client journeys.
    Christine Williams, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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