SUAVE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

suave

adjective

ˈswäv

Definition of suave next

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

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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 His voice was confident and suave with plenty of power but also a conversational ease. —

Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025 For as much as Soderbergh has been credited with helping to elevate George Clooney’s film career — creating the right platform for his suave, slightly smirking silver-screen persona — not enough has been said about the rapport he’s had with Clooney’s Ocean’s costar. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 The most successful of his sprawling New York rap crew, Mayers vaulted to fame in 2011 with a style defined by suave braggadocio and self-mythologizing reminiscent of old-school legends such as Rakim and the Wu-Tang Clan. —

James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 Fife is almost the polar opposite of the suave escort in American Gigolo, yet Gere places them both on a continuum of internal and external deception. —

Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for suave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave

Adjective

The straight-leg silhouette and ankle length give these pants a sophisticated style that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

— Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2025
After all, the implications of a sophisticated A.I. system acting as copilot raise serious questions—such as, will it second-guess or even stop the human pilot from flying if the computer perceives an imminent emergency, which may or may not exist?

— Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2025