as in facilitating
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1
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
2
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
3
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
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Recent Examples of smoothing
Mary Moreland, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Pour batter into prepared baking pan, spreading to edges and smoothing top.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
The blush formula is breathable, smoothing the look of pores while keeping the finish soft.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 Dec. 2025
The silicone is substantial enough to sit comfortably around the nipple area, offering light shape while smoothing everything down for a seamless look under clothing.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2025
Simply spend 60 seconds straightening your sheets, smoothing your comforter or duvet, and fluffing your pillows, and marvel at how the chore instantly makes your entire bedroom look neater.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
Levi’s 318 Shaping Wide-Leg Jeans These black trouser jeans get a leg up (pun intended), thanks to a smoothing waist panel and soft, stretchy denim.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Get your baker friend a full-sized one for smoothing buttercream over cakes, and a mini one for more precise tasks.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2025
That job is not uncommon to a traditional home build, but with the 3D printing machine, the manner of applying and smoothing the outer base layer was far from ordinary.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Phased retirement can also help companies to manage the consequences of the looming workforce contraction by forestalling brain drain and smoothing succession planning — all while preserving the institutional knowledge and relationships that help companies thrive.
—Mary Moreland, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Pour batter into prepared baking pan, spreading to edges and smoothing top.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025
The blush formula is breathable, smoothing the look of pores while keeping the finish soft.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 26 Dec. 2025
The silicone is substantial enough to sit comfortably around the nipple area, offering light shape while smoothing everything down for a seamless look under clothing.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2025
Simply spend 60 seconds straightening your sheets, smoothing your comforter or duvet, and fluffing your pillows, and marvel at how the chore instantly makes your entire bedroom look neater.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
Levi’s 318 Shaping Wide-Leg Jeans These black trouser jeans get a leg up (pun intended), thanks to a smoothing waist panel and soft, stretchy denim.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Get your baker friend a full-sized one for smoothing buttercream over cakes, and a mini one for more precise tasks.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2025
That job is not uncommon to a traditional home build, but with the 3D printing machine, the manner of applying and smoothing the outer base layer was far from ordinary.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing
Verb
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Additionally, the program aims to amplify the global influence of Shanghai Fashion Week, by facilitating exchanges between international creative communities.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
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The company’s wider footprint in India includes two APM Terminals across Pipavav and Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port, facilitating throughput of over 3 million containers every year.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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These hues reflect light without flattening a space, and pair well with both light and dark cabinetry.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
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There is no sign of an asteroid heading to earth anything like the one that exploded over Siberia on June 30, 1908, flattening 500,00 acres.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Its style was in many ways a refinement of the final run of Diablos, smoothing and polishing the old car’s edges while adding strength and modernity to the design.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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At one point, convinced that one of the screenwriters who was on set polishing the script was leaking information to Weinstein, Scorsese rushed into the office and flung his desk out the window.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And the only questions she's getting asked are about shaving her head.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Another unit in Tsuen Wan, a residential neighborhood in the New Territories, was sold at a loss of $142,000, shaving 40% off the original price, according to local news reports.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Moore picks up her little one and starts kissing her all over, rubbing her up and down her chest.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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According to the court document, students said they were videotaped alone in a classroom with Illanes, with allegations of removing clothing and rubbing their backs.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trailing most of the game, Dallas couldn't get a fourth-quarter stop after trimming the deficit to three points with 10 minutes remaining.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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That’s in part by trimming the approval process.—
CalMatters,
Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Burrow, who spoke with media after the Bengals lost 18-20 to the Cleveland Browns, seemed bothered by his 'do from the start, sitting down at the mic and instantly raking his lengthy bangs back with his hands.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
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Cover the seed with a very thin layer of soil, approximately 1/8 inch thick, by gently raking the area.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Magellano’s Dual Mode Hull, a signature feature that has been on the vessels since the series started, is a semi-planing hull with a vertical bow.—
Tristan Rutherford,
Robb Report,
8 Sep. 2025
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Besides the Cool Springs location, the brand is also planing to open stores at Opry Mills and West Town Mall in Knoxville this fall.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
The Tennessean,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smoothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smoothing. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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