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 Slick, balanced, suave and silky brilliant tannins. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 While the Daily Mail said Kelce looked suave, one popular NFL social media account had an entirely different take. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025 Sean Connery originated the role of the suave British spy, followed by David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 June 2025 Fondant suave tannins and succulence in this soft and layered gem. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 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
  • 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
Definition of sophisticated
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
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • Thumbsticks on both Joy-Con 2s feel smoother, although there's still no use of Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) to eliminate drift risk.
    — Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 July 2025
  • Things were a lot smoother for Royals starter Kris Bubic.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • This is far, far beneath the dignity of a civilized society.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • Honoring and showing gratitude to those who step up to help others regardless of their origins is one sign of a civilized society that recognizes the worth of all human beings.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Definition of civilized
Adjective
  • Inspired by Japanese kissa jazz bars, these urbane spaces feature incredible audio systems and DJs spinning records for people who value the communal experience of taking in excellent music.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
  • Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
Definition of urbane
Adjective
  • The man was gifted, gracious, often generous and seldom mean-spirited.
    — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2025
  • But goodness gracious, the Rockies are only (14-36) under Schaeffer after going 7-33 under Black.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • The tool’s ability to generate 40 polished assets at once from posters to UI flows to 3D models was repeatedly cited as a key differentiator.
    — Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • The overall aesthetic is inviting yet polished—a place where teenagers can gather after a day at the shore and grown-ups feel equally at home.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
Definition of polished

Browse Nearby Words

suasiveness
suave
suaveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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