suave

adjective

ˈswäv How to pronounce suave (audio)
Definition of suavenext
as in sophisticated
having or showing very polished and worldly manners the suave gentleman was a great favorite of the elegant ladies who attended parties at the embassy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of suave are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use bland instead of suave?

The words bland and suave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When would diplomatic be a good substitute for suave?

Although the words diplomatic and suave have much in common, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might politic be a better fit than suave?

The meanings of politic and suave largely overlap; however, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

In what contexts can smooth take the place of suave?

In some situations, the words smooth and suave are roughly equivalent. However, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can urbane be used instead of suave?

The synonyms urbane and suave are sometimes interchangeable, 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 suave Assassin's Creed 3 After a whole trilogy led by the suave Ezio, Assassin's Creed III's Connor felt like a wet blanket. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 With last season’s suave gents out of the picture, Troy Stecher was the decisive winner. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 The suave Domingo also appeared in a follow-up sketch in November, featuring host Charli XCX. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025 Air signs may be as charming and suave as Domingo while Earth signs might feel drawn to Debbie Downer's gloomy outlook. —Athena Sobhan, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave
  1. sophisticated
  2. graceful
  3. smooth
  4. civilized
  5. urbane
  6. gracious
  7. polished
Adjective
  • One sophisticated take on the trend turns the clog into a main character by combining it with matching neutral tones for a refined air.
    — Casandra Maggio, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Honda claims that the S7, its first-ever premium electric SUV, will break new ground thanks to exceptional comfort, a sophisticated modern look, and, most importantly, more than 400 miles (650 km) of driving range.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of sophisticated
Adjective
  • The Phaeton cuts a more elegant figure than most VWs, thanks to its graceful exterior lines and the use of premium materials throughout the cabin.
    — Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The rendering of martial arts battles is as graceful as DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda series.
    — Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • Pedal assist, via a cadence sensor, was smooth enough but not torque-sensor smooth; the bike’s (and rider’s) weight helps to smooth out engagement.
    — William Roberson, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Add 1/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 cup peanuts to shallot mixture in blender; process until peanut dressing is smooth, about 1 minute.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Promoting a civilized society is more important than ever, said Deborah Jordy, SCFD’s executive director for the last decade.
    — John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Had someone cast him in a movie, the actor would most likely be Paul Henreid, who played a highly civilized spy in the film Casablanca.
    — John Mariani, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of civilized
Adjective
  • The lounge exudes an urbane vibe reminiscent of those found in Paris, Barcelona, or San Francisco.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In the years since this novel was released, popular culture has fallen in love with the urbane, suave and sophisticated version of Lecter that lives in our zeitgeist.
    — S.A. Cosby, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of urbane
Adjective
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ohtani is back in Japan and that puts an even bigger grin on these gracious locals.
    — Jay Paris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • There's a little sprinkled throughout, but these all-stars are by and large gracious and amiable.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • Daisy Edgar-Jones’ style file consists of contemporary boho looks via Chloé’s ruffles upon ruffles, polished downtown cool girl fits by way of Magda Butrym and Our Legacy, and red carpet bangers courtesy of Victoria Beckham, 16Arlington, and Givenchy.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Blow dry your hair upside down and add a bit of a loose wave for a less polished look.
    — Felicity Carter, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of polished

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Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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