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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
The palate delivers flavors of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and hints of anise, supported by a tannic backbone of smooth, well-ripened, and integrated tannins, along with balanced acidity. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Full bodied and silky smooth, with a bright bubbly surprise. Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 July 2025
Verb
The spray is also formulated with argan oil, vitamins, and fatty acids to smooth and soften your locks. People Deals Team, People.com, 10 July 2025 Ouai’s Wave Spray gives that effortless, beachy texture without the crunch, Dae’s Agave Dry Heat + Hold Styling Mist helps lock in your style while fighting frizz, and K18’s Molecular Repair Hair Oil works deep to strengthen and smooth without ever feeling greasy. Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Private-equity firms and non-bank lenders have grown impressively over the last few decades due to substantial demand for their offerings from those sophisticated investors.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
  • What stands out most about the set is the classic hammered glass design of the dispensers and the ornate accents of the stand, which give everything a sophisticated, timeless feel.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The scoring was lower, nearly two shots easier than the opening round.
    Doug Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
  • Dealing With Clogs and Clots Many robot vacuums now come with tiny tools embedded inside the body of the vacuum that make routine maintenance slightly easier.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Later, after Hankison was sentenced, The Courier Journal counted at least 10 police cruisers parked outside the courthouse, although the situation remained calm.
    Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
  • As more people seek healing, the conversation has shifted toward calm approaches to managing intense feelings.
    Essence, Essence, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Centuries ago, the Maya cut a slender channel through dense mangrove forests to facilitate transportation between two technicolor lagoons.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • If the actual burn pattern is in patches, hopping between tree stands while leaving other clusters untouched, that would better facilitate wildlife's return.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • July 22 could end up being the shortest of 2025, with Earth's rotation shaving off about 1.34 milliseconds from the usual 86,400 seconds.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • July 9 was the first of three days in which a millisecond or more could be shaved off the clock on account of how the moon's position relative to Earth is influencing our planet's rotation.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The airy, high-ceilinged white dining rooms are largely intact, the wooden floors polished, the tables set with good linens, the lighting excellent.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • His work to polish his technique over the past year and change will come to the forefront this season.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The maxi gown featured a relaxed turtleneck, a bold red lily print and graceful draping down the length of her body.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • With sculpted foliage and large, graceful blooms, Japanese anemones make a lovely tall groundcover or masing in mixed borders.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • The simple solution is wearing regular ballet flats, whether they’re made from leather, satin, or something else.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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