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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
Second is much smoother so far. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 Hurling a few 12-to-6 knee-bucklers can thwart the opponent’s smooth rhythm. Jim Root, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
The bootcut bottoms feature a smoothing high waistband, two side pockets, and one secure zipper pocket. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025 LetsJoli Wireless Push-Up Bra, $18 with coupon This comfortable bra stays put and smooths your skin without digging into it. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Just as sophisticated as Hamas, which built hundreds of miles of underground tunnels as part of its preparations for war with Israel?
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Spanning the entire 54th floor of the sinuous Echo Brickell is one such mansion in the sky, this one a sophisticated assemblage of high-quality finishes and bold design.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Setup is as easy as plugging in the HDMI cable into your TV and the sound bar, thanks to HDMI ARC, and the slim profile allows this device to be wall-mounted or propped up on your TV stand.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • McConkey is an even easier case to make, now doing well himself in the NFL, and responsible for 119 catches, 1,687 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns over those three years.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Senior dogs tend to slow down in their golden years, enjoying a calmer pace of life, but one owner's canine proved that age is just a number.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The technology uses specialized connectors known as Transformers to facilitate bi-directional communication, enabling robots to both read from and write to various machines on the production floor.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • India’s new anti-betting law poses serious punishments for offenders, including potential prison terms for people who facilitate, promote or finance for-money online gaming.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Analysts estimate the shutdown is shaving billions off the gross domestic product each week and has left around 803,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay—many of them lower-wage employees.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The shot clock, normally at 24 seconds in a real game, is shaved to five.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Anthropic updated the rule in July, allowing prospective hires to polish their resumes, cover letters, and applications with the advanced tech.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Egos will not be polished but pushed to one side as Tuchel looks for chemistry and cohesion in his group.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During a visit here, travelers can swim with these large, graceful creatures and also see schools of fish and other sea life.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Japanese marque’s latest midsize SUV looks so much better than its predecessor and has a smooth, graceful shape with just the right amount of flair.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Strufe adds that while intelligence agencies or cybercriminals have simpler ways to monitor people – such as accessing CCTV cameras or video doorbells – the widespread presence of wireless networks could eventually form a near-comprehensive surveillance infrastructure.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The simplest way to find influential people in a network is called degree centrality—just count the number of connections for each person.
    Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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