Definition of smoothnext
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smooth

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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
My current picks include washable silk palazzo pants, a smooth dress, cozy pullovers, and a packable down jacket that can all handle being folded, layered, and reworn throughout all my upcoming trips. Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026 Designed to blur and sculpt the face, the powder promises to deliver up to 24 hours of oil and shine control, while the blush is said to help achieve a smooth and natural flush of color. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
The bra also has wide side panels that smooth along the back, and it’s made with a moisture-wicking satin to keep you cool and dry, all without sacrificing luxurious comfort. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush. Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Now, advanced and sophisticated products are helping growing companies extend the impact of their existing workforces in ways that previously weren’t realistically attainable.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Iran’s state media, in turn, has waged a sophisticated propaganda campaign, publishing a barrage of content and misinformation meant to sway public opinion of the wider war and diminish its government’s losses.
    Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Push the sleeves up for a slouchy look and pair it with trousers, loafers, and a belt for an easy quiet-luxury outfit.
    Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wiener has long championed making housing easier to build, but in San Francisco resisting development is a bedrock cause for those on the city’s left.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The new flat surfaces seem a little low, but that may be by design to discourage folks from camping out there.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Under clingy fabrics, prioritize flat seams, no-dig leg openings, and thinner materials that are less likely to show.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As a priest, Lamb held a calm, patient and somewhat self-deprecating sense of perspective.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Centcom forces have helped facilitate the transit of approximately 1,500 commercial vessels and 750 million barrels of crude oil over the past several months, Cooper said.
    Sam Meredith,Lim Hui Jie,Mike Sheen, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And the announcement notably did not include secondary sanctions on the large Chinese banks that facilitate Beijing’s purchases from Iran.
    Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Centering consumer protection In 2020, a ghost candidate scheme that helped unseat Rodriguez relied on paying candidates to run who had no plans to win but could shave votes from Democratic candidates.
    Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At 25, England cricketer Chris Lewis experienced an even more direct consequence after team-mate Devon Malcolm shaved his head during England’s 1994 West Indies tour to raise money for Children in Need.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Weeks for the shiny new parts to be polished up before being put on the road.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Schedule the playful thing, polish one detail, and let simple consistency make fun feel more satisfying.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The country is mired in a war with Iran with no graceful exit opportunities; a new round of tariffs threatens to further disrupt fragile global trade relations; and the domestic economy faces inflation combined with paltry growth.
    Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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