SMOOTHER Synonyms: 359 Similar and Opposite Words

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

smooth 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsmüt͟h

Definition of smooth

as in sophisticated

having or showing very polished and worldly manners a smooth salesman of expensive jewelry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in easy

involving minimal difficulty or effort it should be smooth going from this point on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plane

having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities a smooth skating rink

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as in calm

free from emotional or mental agitation his smooth disposition and leadership qualities lend themselves well to the position

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smooth

2 of 2

verb

as in to facilitate

to free from obstruction or difficulty a willingness to compromise will smooth the way to an early agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shave

to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the workers smoothed the surface of the concrete before letting it dry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to polish

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure used fine sandpaper to smooth the face of the wood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

In the simplest of iterations, all the sauce ingredients can be combined in a food processor and blitzed until smooth. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 Additionally, these saws weigh less than other types of circular saws and can operate at higher speeds for smoother cuts. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026

Verb

Trying to perfect and smooth every contour of the face with injectables or fat grafting leads to patients’ heads getting larger and larger over the course of a few years. — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 They’re made from four-way stretch fabric and feature a wide 4-inch waistband with tummy-smoothing support, a modest 9-inch inseam, and front and back pockets for hands-free convenience. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth

Adjective

This is an exceptionally sophisticated cognitive procedure and obviously produces a less powerful and precise strike than those performing goalkeeper-independent kicks, without a stutter.

— Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Since founding high-end home staging firm Interior Marketing Group (IMG) in 2007, Cheryl Eisen has helped market billions of dollars in residential properties while creating sophisticated interiors that resonate with buyers and homeowners alike.

— AD PRO, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

Definition of sophisticated

Adjective

Already large clinical trials are testing if certain drugs could prevent or at least delay the disease — and if any of those pan out, doctors will need an easy way to tell who should try them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Would District 24 be an easy target because Frederica is no longer there?

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of easy

Adjective

Many people had no idea OpenAI was considering bringing ads to ChatGPT, so the punchline landed flat—perhaps indicative of the wider cultural disconnect between Silicon Valley and everyone else.

— Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026
Pair your granny jeans with flat shoes and a romantic blouse (or granny blouse, as the fashion girls like to call it).

— René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 July 2026

Definition of flat

Adjective

The ministry instructed citizens to remain calm and head to the nearest safe space.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
My work became not just watching the Zeitgeist within the company but learning how to contain it—reading through messages, distilling the emotional temperature, and crafting executive responses meant to absorb shock and restore calm.

— Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

Definition of calm

Verb

Johnny Deng, founder of the successful Nara Ramen chain, is facilitating the launch of the new restaurant, Nguyen explained.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
These kinds of behaviors likely facilitate better communication, reduce anxiety, enhance bonding, and promote a stronger fighting force.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026

Definition of facilitate

Verb

Others were offered $100 to eat a cup of wasabi or shave their head for several thousand dollars.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Morsa Images / Getty Images Evidence has been accumulating steadily for over a decade that arthroscopic knee surgery to shave torn, degenerative cartilage does not help more than physical therapy.

— Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of shave

Verb

Set near the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the restaurant delivers scale, confidence, and polish without falling into the usual steakhouse performance.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
The investment of time and money put into excavating and polishing a skeleton such as Gus would not be possible, according to Hatton, without the prospect of a high-value sale.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

Definition of polish

Adjective

Their style repertoire is equally wide-ranging, spanning everything from backless rattan designs to teak silhouettes with swooping arms, plush cushions, and graceful arches.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
The delicate silk scarf tied to the handle adds a graceful, chic touch.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Definition of graceful

Browse Nearby Words

smooching

smooth

smoothbore

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of smooth

adjective

verb

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