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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
With a bright blend of red fruit flavors and a hint of spice and earthy undertones, balanced by a smooth, medium-bodied structure and a long finish, the wine is a sublime match for the duck’s dark, savory flavor. AFAR Media, 20 May 2025 Follow these steps, remembering to use light, smooth strokes throughout: To begin, strip down to bare skin. Angela Palmer, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
Verb
The Red Sox may be hoping a similar meeting in Kansas City can smooth things over with their star player. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 10 May 2025 Her super long ponytail, which was teased and smoothed with Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler Chrome, is not-so-rudely interrupted by tiers of bulbous rings of red hair. Marci Robin, Allure, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Modern manufacturing already relies on robotics, computer vision, predictive maintenance and sophisticated supply chain optimization.
    Richard Lebovitz, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Using some sophisticated math, the team found that the most likely mass of the black hole is 600,000 or so times the mass of the sun.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now Winston begins running errands in a pickup truck that can be customised with gadgets like a winch and a crane to make tasks easier.
    Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • With summer approaching, the Milky Way becomes easier to see, but spotting it won't be as simple as looking up at the sky.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Considered one of the state’s best beach towns, Biloxi is known for its picturesque sand and calm waters that are protected by barrier islands just south of the beach in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
  • It's also infused with prebiotic oats, which support healthy skin and calm irritations like eczema.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Organizations must understand how to utilize FHIR modularity to facilitate scalable data exchange across institutions.
    Arunkumar Paramasivan, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • On Monday's episode of The Tonight Show, the Mission: Impossible star teamed up with host Jimmy Fallon to facilitate a surprise reunion between a U.S. Navy sailor and his mom after two long years apart.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Inside the prison, they were forced to kneel as their heads were shaved by guards.
    Nidia Cavazos, CBS News, 23 May 2025
  • Fred’s highlight this season has been shaving his beard.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Pryor was a savant at polishing his challenging circumstances and debilitating neuroses into crowd-pleasing material, and this is broadly how he’s remembered in comedy history.
    Vulture Staff, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • The company has also really polished its software over the years, offering lots of customization.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Marked by a graceful melancholia and filled with daunting technical feats, especially the director’s signature, logistics-defying long takes, his films are beautifully realized meditations on nostalgia and loss in which the cinema tends to be a character itself.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • This is graceful, quietly intelligent filmmaking—including a touch of unsentimental magic realism involving a wise and beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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