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

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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

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush. — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026 The combination bristles feel amazing on my scalp (like the best head scratch ever) while also smoothing my incredibly frizzy hair. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 The wide, stretchy waistband has a smoothing effect and stays put all day long. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Water from the lakes is also used to generate hydroelectric power and to ensure a steady, predictable flow of water downstream, smoothing the water supply during droughts and when snowpack in the Rocky Mountains is low. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 Both iterations are formulated with smoothing honey extract, strawberry, blueberry, and papaya extracts, plus milk proteins to fortify and condition strands. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 Whether or not motion smoothing metadata is needed is up to the content creators to decide (and for forum threads to debate). — John Higgins, The Verge, 6 Aug. 2026 Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out to an even layer. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026 Do not keep smoothing things over while your body keeps the receipts. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing

Verb

The sanctions will target international entities engaged in facilitating Iranian trade related to shipping, oil, crypto, gold and aviation.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Treasury's statement noted that violations can carry civil or criminal penalties, and that foreign financial institutions facilitating transactions for those sanctioned under one of the relevant executive orders could face secondary sanctions.

— Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of facilitating

Verb

Live Edit, Video Capture, and Formats Snap Pro 26 continues to build on past iterations' strengths by keeping what worked and further polishing it.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Founders often spend too much time polishing the story when skeptical early adopters are looking for evidence of execution.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

The 23-year-old and his Serbia team-mates won the Davis Cup for the first time in December 2010, and fulfilled a promise by shaving their heads in celebration.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Go bananas with shaving cream Have your kids hop into a dry bathtub with their swimsuit on.

— Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The forward has also trademarked his nickname ‘Cold Palmer’, a nod to his celebration, crossing and rubbing his arms as though to warm himself up.

— Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

The first came on a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ko Kieft, trimming Tampa Bay’s deficit to 9-7 with just under seven minutes to play in the quarter.

— Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
This relaxed-but-polished organic cotton sweater has a classic crew neckline and ribbed trimming to elevate the look.

— Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026