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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
Dorfman lends the whole an attractive look and smooth pace. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 BEMt is oil-soluble, giving it a smooth, non-chalky texture on the skin. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
This set comes with a cuticle pusher and a buffer to smooth nails and leave them looking polished and clean. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026 As a result, the structure gradually collapsed and was smoothed to become almost flat by water currents. New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Similar to Hudson’s, my find from Nordstrom has a sophisticated mock-neck top and long pants.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Pinabel described the gourmand scent, created by Givaudan perfumers Nisrine Bouazzaoui Grillié and Nadège Le Garlantezec, as chic, elegant and sophisticated.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In October 2023, Jemma DeCristo tweeted on social media there’s easy access to Zionist journalists who spread propaganda and misinformation.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • HotHands Hand Warmers are a convenient and easy way to stay warm and provide a boost of heat without taking extra layers.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With over 20 years of experience, Melissa has helped families transform chaos into calm using compassion, clarity, and proven behavioral strategies.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Peak season is over, meaning the crowds are gone, the water feels calmer, the restaurants are more enjoyable, and the sunsets last just a little bit longer.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Travel and shipping records showed that the co-conspirators would facilitate a shipment to Haiti shortly after purchasing a large number of firearms, then would travel to Haiti around the time the shipment was scheduled to arrive in Haiti.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
  • For those seeking a simple option that offers transparent fees and access from any location, an international transfer facilitated by a secure digital platform may be an ideal solution.
    Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Deeper cuts could be a 'stretch' Glendale has already asked residents to shave down their water use after shortages hit the Colorado River.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And the only questions she's getting asked are about shaving her head.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.
    Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But those struggles remain offscreen; Naïma’s season at the shelter is coming to an end, and the movie, graceful yet pragmatic, knows that not every story here can be told.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026
  • Her entry into this world was graceful, gentle and oh so magical.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.
    Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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