Thesaurus

smooth

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of smooth

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 having or showing very polished and worldly manners

a smooth salesman of expensive jewelry

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

Near Antonyms for smooth

diffident,
insecure

Antonyms for smooth

2 involving minimal difficulty or effort

it should be smooth going from this point on

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

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Antonyms for smooth

3 having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities

a smooth skating rink

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

exact,
uniform

horizontal,
tabular

Near Antonyms for smooth

Antonyms for smooth

4 free from emotional or mental agitation

his smooth disposition and leadership qualities lend themselves well to the position

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

Phrases Synonymous with smooth

at peace

Near Antonyms for smooth

Antonyms for smooth

smooth

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of smooth (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to free from obstruction or difficulty

a willingness to compromise will smooth the way to an early agreement

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

Phrases Synonymous with smooth

pave the way (for)

Near Antonyms for smooth

hinder,
impede

retard

aggravate,
worsen

Antonyms for smooth

complicate

2 to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps

the workers smoothed the surface of the concrete before letting it dry

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

surface

Near Antonyms for smooth

bend,
kink

dent,
pit

Antonyms for smooth

rough,
roughen

3 to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure

used fine sandpaper to smooth the face of the wood

Synonyms for smooth

Words Related to smooth

sleek,
slick

brighten

Near Antonyms for smooth

Frequently Asked Questions About smooth

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