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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning formula uses the brand’s 3D Lip Complex, which blends bidens pilosa extract—known for its anti-inflammatory properties and smoothing effect—with cotton seed and linseed oil to help even texture and soften the skin. — Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026 It’s made with Bioheal’s signature Probioderm complex, the same fine-line-smoothing ingredient that landed the brand’s eye cream on Vogue’s list of the best Korean formulas. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Plus, its ribbed panels have a smoothing effect and provide modest support. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026 But so will filters offering subtle beautification effects — such as smoothing skin tone or adding a slight eye glow. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 Oils are best thought of as a strand treatment, smoothing the cuticle, cutting frizz and reducing breakage during brushing and styling. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 Some mornings call for brightening dark circles, while others require extra depuffing or help smoothing pesky fine lines. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026 Wireless, shaping and smoothing bra styles and underwear packs are also available. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 The brand has also become a go-to for figure-flattering wardrobe staples that combine timeless designs and smoothing, comfortable fabrics that work with you rather than against you. — Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing

Verb

The lawmakers allegedly received commissions in exchange for facilitating the awarding of contracts to companies linked to them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, meanwhile, did the heavy lifting for Sacramento, with the shooting guard scoring 28 points and the center facilitating the offense with 14 points, eight assists and 18 rebounds.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of facilitating

Verb

Asked how directors can keep AI from flattening their vision, Kim said AI tools can be learned in a few months, while film grammar such as the 180-degree rule, lenses and editing can take years.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
Behind the clock tower, the actors ducked and cowered as wind and dust washed over them, flattening their hair and sending papers flying.

— Matt Alt, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of flattening

Verb

Nowadays, machinery like edge polishers make calibration, grinding, shaping and beveling possible with great ease and high-pressure waterjet cutting and polishing systems used for complex contours and sensitive materials.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Small updates like polishing or new hardware can elevate your kitchen’s look with minimal effort.

— Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

Men in some communities stop shaving, while women may remove their jewelry.

— Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Like almost winning a race, almost shaving a second off my time for the 3200m run, my event in high school, the one that got me into college, a recruit for someone else to gamble on.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Small amounts of surface rust or rust that can be removed simply by rubbing a paper towel over the surface, is okay.

— Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

Public schools would seem an odd fit for private equity, which is typically premised on a strategy of slashing costs, trimming head count, and finding the right moment to sell up.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026
Limiting the number of projects included or trimming back some of the proposals to speed permitting might have kicked up less dust.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of trimming

Verb

Beginning around 1980, Judd replaced their garage doors with large spans of glass, opening the interiors to raking desert light.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Ensure seed-to-soil contact after planting by gently raking the seed into the top ¼-inch of soil.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2026