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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
Her time at Chelsea was not as smooth as the club and player had hoped. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 1 June 2025 Reversals of party dominance took place regularly and with relatively smooth transitions. Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Verb
The formula won’t have stray hairs sticking to your pout, but will instead smooth the look of fine lines on your lips. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 19 May 2025 This mist is boosted by waterlily extract to lift at the roots and white mallow extract, which not only amps up shine but also smooths the hair cuticle for a silky, light-reflective finish. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • With its sky-high housing and living costs and its large and sophisticated workforce and population, the minimum wage that Albany dictates for the state will always be far too low to guarantee city workers a decent living.
    Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025
  • Contemporary neutral hues in the fabrics and wood veneer are contrasted with deep olive-juniper accents, dark Emperador marble, and antiqued metalwork, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere.
    Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • How to Get There The easiest way to reach Extremadura from the U.S. is by flying into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, then taking a connecting domestic flight or train.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • Jammy red Zinfandel like mid palate with flavors that are supple and light, with bright acidity and easy drinking.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Few clubs can match Newcastle for its success rate with player arrivals, and that comes from being calm and patient.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The skies will likely be clear throughout the day, forecasts show, with a calm wind blowing through the city in the afternoon.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • For example, virtual twins will facilitate the nuclear construction of the future.
    Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Levin & Associates, in partnership with real estate broker CBRE, facilitated the auction that was set for Dec.19, 2023.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • An article published that year by The New York Times notes that Davis shaved the front of her head for the part.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • To begin, researchers tried to mimic sun exposure by shaving the dorsal skin of mice and applying cis-urocanic acid (dissolved in water).
    Jay Kakade June 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • The formal coupes are polished using specialty techniques to reveal a reflective, opalescent finish.
    Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
  • Elevated by fluted panels and a duo of discreet storage drawers, its look is polished enough to nimbly complement non-office settings.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.
    Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • Kevin Harlan and Ernie Johnson Jr. delivered eloquent, graceful sign-offs when TNT concluded 35 years of NBA coverage on Saturday night.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • White is easy, simple, and many times, the best choice for a clean slate.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
  • The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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