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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
Blend until smooth, then finish by churning in an ice cream maker. Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 10 May 2026 Process until smooth and fully blended. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Verb
It’s designed with side-smoothing panels, separated cups, and wide, adjustable straps. Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026 Duffy has said the system could help planners spot problems weeks in advance, smoothing schedules before delays begin to stack up. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • The area North Cornwall has plenty of fancy restaurants, but Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow gets the balance right between sophisticated seafood and laidback service.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • As a solo artist, Batmanglij writes in a style that is baroque and sophisticated, and lightly warped in a way that recalls both Paul Simon and Radiohead.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of everything being controlled through a single touch-screen, dedicated physical controls and circuits would allow easier servicing of individual components.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Battista’s physical traits, meanwhile, are easy to spot.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Your calm precision can keep the whole plan from wobbling.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • The outset of war finds her wary yet calm, and our knowledge of her composure under siege means that all following emotional displays shake us like miniature earthquakes.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Following Maduro’s capture, Venezuela publicly thanked Qatar for helping seek proof of life and facilitating communication efforts between the parties involved.
    Michelle Velez, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
  • For better and often for worse, Spirit facilitated that.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Ghia’s take on the XK140 was likely even faster, since its lightweight aluminum body—replacing the standard model’s steel shell—shaved as much as 220 pounds.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Plenty of people already use AI to polish text in emails or other documents before sending them, and this is essentially the same thing for voice input.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 May 2026
  • Something about a summer ceremony invites fun into a potentially formal dress code—your attire should be polished, yes, but can lean playful and bright.
    Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • And the single, graceful bridge that is centered upon the land’s backdrop mountain range closely resembles Pasadena’s own Colorado Street Bridge, although there’s no roaring waterfall next to the original.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Even with more graceful aging curves for star talent, Father Time spares no player or team.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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