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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
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission has accused Edwin Brant Frost IV and his private lending company First Liberty Building & Loan with allegedly presiding over a sophisticated $140 million Ponzi scheme, according to a civil complaint filed on Thursday in federal court in Atlanta.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025
  • Muli’s special smart technology features intelligence residence functions that control the shades, lighting with unique settings for morning and evening, air management and is outfitted with a sophisticated security system.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Intensive research is crucial to any move, and thanks to the Internet and social media, it’s never been easier.
    William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Both filters last 18 months, so the higher replacement costs are a little easier to swallow.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Thursday morning’s efforts included six private vessels and a Marine Rescue team, though what was puzzling to some was how calm the sea conditions were and the small amount of wind and swell.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Did your presence create more clarity, more calm, more progress?
    Cicely Simpson, Forbes.com, 11 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
  • Then in the antebellum years there were the mill owners who bought cotton; they’re faulted for facilitating the slave system.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Courtney's husband surprises their daughter after shaving his beard off.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • On those three days, just over a millisecond is expected to be shaved off the standard 24-hour day.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Define swim lanes for each spokesperson, and then polish the narrative for each.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Most high school seniors applying to selective colleges this fall don’t need a lot of advice on how to polish their personal essay or list extracurriculars.
    Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The building itself, majestic and graceful, holds an immediate promise of well-being.
    Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Her playing was poised and expressive throughout, favoring subtlety over drama and marked by graceful nuance.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • These patterns are muted, simple, and still full of personality, like this pillow cover in indigo which looks exactly suited to a couch in a captain’s quarters, yacht-appropriate, or like a great porch nap pillow along a white rattan sofa.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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