smooth

²smooth

verb

smoothedsmooth·ingsmooths also smoothes

Definition of SMOOTH

transitive verb

1

: to make smooth

2

a : to free from what is harsh or disagreeable : polish <smoothed out his style> b : soothe

3

: to minimize (as a fault) especially in order to allay anger or ill will <his main job is to smooth over the friction that so often arises — Brian Crozier>

4

: to free from obstruction or difficulty <conciliation smoothed the way to an agreement>

5

a : to press flat <smoothed down the folds of her dress> b : to remove expression from (one's face) : compose

6

: to cause to lie evenly and in order : preen <a bird smoothing its feathers>

7

: to free (as a graph or data) from irregularities

intransitive verb

: to become smooth

— smooth·er noun

Examples of SMOOTH

1. He smoothed his tie and headed out the door.
2. The coin's date had been smoothed away over time.
3. Smooth the cream on after your shower.
4. Smooth the wax over the wood before polishing.
5. She smoothed on some moisturizer before she put on her makeup.
6. He smoothed ointment over the cut.

First Known Use of SMOOTH

15th century

Related to SMOOTH

Synonyms: facilitate, grease, loosen (up), ease, unclog

Antonyms: complicate

Related Words: accelerate, expedite, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed; advance, forward, further, promote; abet, aid, assist, help, improve; disentangle, straighten (out), untangle; simplify, streamline

Near Antonyms: hinder, impede; retard; aggravate, worsen; perplex, sophisticate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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