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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shaving
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in facilitating
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smoothing
Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The jeans’ gap-proof waistband, stomach-smoothing technology, high-rise fit perfect for layering over bodysuits, and chic black hue.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
This grooming mitt is great for smoothing fur and reducing shedding.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
This Warner’s Bra is backed by over 32,800 five-star ratings and is a shopper favorite for its wireless design, side-smoothing panels, and stretchy fabric that’s comfortable for all-day wear.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
The bootcut bottoms feature a smoothing high waistband, two side pockets, and one secure zipper pocket.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
This silky, fragrance-free formula delivers all the benefits of retinol—like smoothing fine lines, refining texture, and evening skin tone—without a heavy or irritating feel.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Retinal is a more potent version of vitamin A and is more effective with smoothing fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2025
With a skin-loving trifecta of hyaluronic acid, madecassoside (more commonly known as centella asiatica), and vitamin B5 (which binds to and holds water to moisturize the skin), the formula goes beyond basic moisturization, effectively smoothing, soothing, and repairing dry, tight skin.
—Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The second photo was noticeably different from the first, instead showing a recent image of heavy machinery smoothing gravel where lush green grass once grew.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The jeans’ gap-proof waistband, stomach-smoothing technology, high-rise fit perfect for layering over bodysuits, and chic black hue.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
This grooming mitt is great for smoothing fur and reducing shedding.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
This Warner’s Bra is backed by over 32,800 five-star ratings and is a shopper favorite for its wireless design, side-smoothing panels, and stretchy fabric that’s comfortable for all-day wear.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
The bootcut bottoms feature a smoothing high waistband, two side pockets, and one secure zipper pocket.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
This silky, fragrance-free formula delivers all the benefits of retinol—like smoothing fine lines, refining texture, and evening skin tone—without a heavy or irritating feel.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Retinal is a more potent version of vitamin A and is more effective with smoothing fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2025
With a skin-loving trifecta of hyaluronic acid, madecassoside (more commonly known as centella asiatica), and vitamin B5 (which binds to and holds water to moisturize the skin), the formula goes beyond basic moisturization, effectively smoothing, soothing, and repairing dry, tight skin.
—Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing
Verb
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As people increasingly turn to such bots for emotional support and life advice, recent incidents have spotlighted their potential to manipulate vulnerable people by facilitating a false sense of closeness or care.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
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This suggests that his interest in AI has much less to do with facilitating art than with seizing an opportunity, such is the entrepreneurial way.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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There’s the 1978 Boston College point-shaving scandal, where student athletes were paid by the mob to limit the number of points their team scored.—
David Hill,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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Venus ends its Virgo run in your communication house, polishing your words with discernment.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Different from a memory foam pillow or down/down alternative pillows, a latex pillow provides a cushioned support that’s resistant to flattening or losing its shape over time.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
28 Oct. 2025
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Gilbert caused widespread destruction—flattening over 100,000 homes, crippling power and communication networks, and claiming 45 lives.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bathroom Sinks and Mirrors Bathroom mirrors and sinks are quick to show signs of use over the course of a week, and rubbing them down will make all of the difference.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Leave it on dirty spots for just a minute before rubbing residue away with a soft cloth.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Adams’ Exit Narrows the Field After Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race, much of his support appeared to transfer to Cuomo, trimming Mamdani’s lead.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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After trimming a 17-point third quarter deficit to 12 to start the fourth quarter, Kerr sent the starters back out to begin the fourth quarter.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
25 Oct. 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
Verb
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Next to a wooden model of an ibis and a Brazil shirt signed by 1994 World Cup winner Ricardo Rocha is a small newspaper clipping.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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Tie branches with twine and add evergreen tassels, then insert photos in the branches, clipping them on, if needed, to hold in place.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smoothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smoothing. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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