variants
also smoothes
1
as in facilitates
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 flattens
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 rubs
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
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 smooths
The jeans have slimming panels with a crisscross design that shape and support curves, while the high front waist smooths the tummy area.
—
Melony Forcier, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink is a luxurious face oil that blurs imperfections, smooths texture and replenishes skin with hydration.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Hyaluronic acid helps flood skin with hydration, while galactomyces (a byproduct of yeast fermentation originally discover in sake breweing) smooths texture for a clearer, more even look.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026
Red light supports collagen production and smooths fine lines; blue light targets acne-causing bacteria; green and yellow modes address dark spots and uneven tone; while purple and cyan modes help soothe redness for a balanced, refreshed complexion.
—William Jones
january 29, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Their high waistband sits just above the belly button and smooths your sides without digging into your skin.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
That’s thanks to glycolic acid, which smooths the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid suspended in a nourishing yet lightweight oil base.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
Spanx’s signature 360-degree panel smooths and supports through the tummy and waist for a flattering fit, and even eliminates waistband folding—ideal for a long-haul flight.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
The formula locks in moisture, restores the skin barrier, and smoothes wrinkles.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Melony Forcier, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink is a luxurious face oil that blurs imperfections, smooths texture and replenishes skin with hydration.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Hyaluronic acid helps flood skin with hydration, while galactomyces (a byproduct of yeast fermentation originally discover in sake breweing) smooths texture for a clearer, more even look.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026
Red light supports collagen production and smooths fine lines; blue light targets acne-causing bacteria; green and yellow modes address dark spots and uneven tone; while purple and cyan modes help soothe redness for a balanced, refreshed complexion.
—William Jones
january 29, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Their high waistband sits just above the belly button and smooths your sides without digging into your skin.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
That’s thanks to glycolic acid, which smooths the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid suspended in a nourishing yet lightweight oil base.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
Spanx’s signature 360-degree panel smooths and supports through the tummy and waist for a flattering fit, and even eliminates waistband folding—ideal for a long-haul flight.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
The formula locks in moisture, restores the skin barrier, and smoothes wrinkles.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooths
Verb
-
And Verizon — through a 10-year, $176 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE — supplies the communications infrastructure that facilitates raids, detention centers, and deportations.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
-
This device has a rechargeable battery and is connected to an app called SmartLINK, which features biometric facial recognition technology, shares a database with community resources, allows users to upload important documents, and facilitates communication with ICE.—
Paula Soria,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And yet, Waltz’s affable, wooden interpretation flattens the role and makes the movie’s moral center read as oddly mundane.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 Feb. 2026
-
His visual approach, however, flattens the ensuing emotional layers.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This might happen because antler rubs strip bark away, revealing lignin-rich inner wood that reemits the longer wavelengths in a way bark does not.—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Scientific American,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In his 1939 version, William Wyler shaves away huge chunks of the story.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Witness as Guy Fieri shaves his iconic goatee and trades his frosty spikes for a sensible combover.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Participants are encouraged to bring their own shovel, gloves, and rakes as limited tools will be provided at the event.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Owners often need to brush them weekly, if not daily, during peak shedding seasons, with coat rakes or shedding tools recommended to keep tangles at bay.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
That figure is likely to keep sliding, particularly if the Fed trims rates later this year.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Some popular models that may require midgrade plus fuel include some Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Unlike heavier foundations that can settle into fine lines or emphasize texture, this lightweight formula delivers sheer coverage that evens skin tone while doubling as daily sun protection, too.—
Olivia Cefalu,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin C, collagen, and sodium hyaluronate (a sister to hyaluronic acid), the serum reduces signs of aging and supports collagen production, evens your skin complexion, and defends against free radicals.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smooths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooths. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
