SMOOTHING Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

smoothing 1 of 2

adjective

as in facilitating

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Dissimilar Words

smoothing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of smooth

as in accelerating

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 flattening

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in polishing

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 smoothing

Verb

This smoothing body treatment includes retinol to fight fine lines and wrinkles, shea butter for moisture, and vitamin C and E to protect against environmental factors that lead to signs of aging. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 18 July 2026 The new schedule aligns with the National Women’s Soccer League, smoothing the process for player loans. — Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026 That was followed by the PUC approving ERCOT’s proposal on how to connect large electricity users such as AI data centers while protecting the reliability of the grid via provisions for LVRT and load smoothing. — Drew Robb, IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026 The brush actually needs to reach through the beautiful coat rather than simply smoothing the surface, Dench said. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 16 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 The best eye creams for wrinkles minimize the appearance of fine lines while smoothing, firming, and hydrating your eye area. — Daley Quinn, Glamour, 9 July 2026 This leave-in treatment is a lifesaver for those whose strands might be a difficult mix of fine and frizzy, leaving behind the perfect amount of hydration and smoothing power without weighing down strands. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 7 July 2026 For starters, Wavytalk’s original thermal brush was always excellent in smoothing hair and creating rounded ends for a faux blowout—this round brush attachment is just as good. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing

Verb

The organization had been facilitating hostage releases and providing services in Gaza since the start of the conflict.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Crucially, domestic banks are playing a pivotal role in facilitating this capital flow.

— Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of facilitating

Verb

In 2020, a massive storm called a derecho struck Iowa, producing hurricane-force winds and flattening over 10 million acres of corn and soybean fields.

— Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Startlingly, the strikes appeared to move in a geographical line from the northeast to the southwest, flattening whole neighborhoods in a way that suggested little differentiation between civilian and military structures.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of flattening

Verb

Not deliberately misleading them—more like polishing things up.

— Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Interest—from both visitors and islanders—is gently shifting away from polishing playboy yachts or appeasing the decadent whims of retirees, to something, well, more real.

— Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

Try roasting it with olive oil and salt, sautéing it and adding it to a pasta or grain bowl, or shaving it with a vegetable peeler and adding the raw strips to a salad for some crunch.

— Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 20 July 2026
And while the results last much longer than shaving, each session typically takes more time, especially when treating larger areas like the legs.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

Rather than just trimming stems and plopping them in a vase, reflexing plays with the form of the flower by gently folding petals backwards to open up the bloom.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Even the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are still sitting on a huge haul of future draft capital, had to start trimming their supporting cast this offseason because Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams’ max extensions kicked in.

— Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026