smooth 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

smooth

2 of 2

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
Building on the smooth R&B of her 2016 fan-favorite Lauren EP, Just Keke finds its narrative anchor in spoken word interludes that emphasize the album’s overarching variety show concept. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 June 2025 While investors hope for a smooth recovery in the U.S. economy, how severe could the impact be if another recession occurs? Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
But some brushes can crush curls, causes breakage on wet hair, or fail to properly smooth every tiny tangle. Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 12 June 2025 Many adjustments are required to smooth the flows of fluctuating power and ensure power reliability. Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • The capital is more sophisticated, the stakeholders are more educated and the businesses are becoming more resilient.
    Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • In a newer and more sophisticated twist, scammers are removing links altogether.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 made immigration into California and shipping produce out of the state much easier.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
  • This compact camera is easy to mount and offers an ultrawide 170-degree angle, capturing excellent HD video in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • This dual nature creates two very different beach experiences: the lagoon side, with its calm, shallow waters, is perfect for children and stand-up paddleboarding, while the oceanfront waves are great for surfing and bodyboarding.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • On top of that, malware kits and other resources that can help to facilitate infostealer attacks can be found on those markets.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Robotics is a single-day event designed to facilitate in-depth conversation and networking with the technologists, researchers and students of the robotics community as well as the founders and investors and was attended by more than 700 people.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The index dipped only slightly, but that nonetheless shaved off some gains from what could have been a higher high.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • This was in the days when only lunatics or scary white punks had shaved heads.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Other procedures like polishing restorations, ceramic crowns, using elastics, orthodontic appliances, and so on can generate particles.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Most people think stand-up comics spend decades polishing their act to get good at telling jokes.
    Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The chrysoprase cabochons on a necklace from the house’s 2025 high-jewelry collection demonstrate their enduringly graceful symmetry.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
  • The unlikely but true tale of a multimillion dollar, inside job heist, the 2016 film is a crazy cinematic ride with a who’s who of A-list funny folk and moments hilariously dumb and graceful, romantic and ruinous.
    Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.
    Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on smooth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!