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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
Each edge of this triangle-esque tool serves a unique purpose: a smooth, long side for sweeping over wider areas like calves, arms, and thighs; a precision tip for targeted acupressure; and a ridged edge for digging into tense tissue. Allure, 14 Apr. 2025 The Northern Irishman began his Sunday round with a 2-stroke lead, but the path to victory was far from smooth. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
It’s also designed with an interior liner that’s soft on the skin and smooths your silhouette. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2025 Retinol: Experts suggest that topical products containing at least 0.3% retinol (a form of vitamin A) support the body in producing more collagen, which can, in turn, thicken the skin and smooth the appearance of cellulite.22 Noticeable improvements may take at least six months of use. 7. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • The sophisticated bouquet features a monochrome rose and carnation mix that any mom would be thrilled to receive.
    Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The cooler tones within this taupe shade are sophisticated and elegant when paired with veiny marble details.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The proliferation of issue-position groups is made easier by the ability to quickly find and connect with people who share your views via the internet and social media.
    Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Finding a great car seat toy can make traveling with a baby much easier and more enjoyable.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus this episode also delivers peak unhinged Lex while he's stranded on an island post-plane crash and suffering from malaria, which leads to a moment that teases his natural killer instincts that he's kept so well hidden from Clark, and the world, so far.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2021
  • But those cars were powered by pushrod engines with conventional cross-plane cranks.
    Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • Clouds will hang around most of the evening, and the low will be around 57 along with calm overnight winds.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While not all people with autism stim, doing so can help release debilitating excess energy and restore a feeling of comfort, calm, and body/mind awareness.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Supreme Court ruled unanimously last week that the Trump administration must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was accidentally deported to El Salvador due to an administrative error.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Trump administration must facilitate the release of the man, who lives in Maryland, from custody, but ordered additional proceedings before a federal district court.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For comparison, the release estimates that the 2018-19 Trump trade war with China shaved 0.2% off GDP and killed 142,000 jobs.
    Katharina Buchholz, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Elon Musk, meanwhile, lost $11 billion on Thursday, adding to the $99 billion the Tesla CEO has lost this year, and saw 5.5 percent shaved off Tesla’s shares.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When the Doctor is planning to break into memory banks to search for answers about why robots and people suddenly stopped peacefully coexisting, Belinda decides to use a polishing robot to lead the robots to her.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Offer to polish the slides, do research, or bring everything together.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As with most new pursuits, our learning curve was steep and our movements the antithesis of graceful.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Coastal live oaks stretched their long branches into a graceful embrace.
    Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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