Synonym Chooser

How is the word suave different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of suave are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use bland instead of suave?

The words bland and suave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When would diplomatic be a good substitute for suave?

Although the words diplomatic and suave have much in common, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might politic be a better fit than suave?

The meanings of politic and suave largely overlap; however, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

In what contexts can smooth take the place of suave?

In some situations, the words smooth and suave are roughly equivalent. However, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can urbane be used instead of suave?

The synonyms urbane and suave are sometimes interchangeable, but urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

Examples 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 suave Opposite Sosa Villada is her suave and stable love interest, a Mexican lawyer played by Ozark mainstay Alfonso Herrera. Holly Jones, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024 Into the Lion’s Mouth follows Dusko Popov, a double agent during World War II who was also a suave and sophisticated playboy while secretly spying for both the British and the Germans. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024 Seabourn is a leader in small-ship ultra-luxury cruising, boasting an elegant fleet of six ships designed for suave travelers who demand the very best–bearing a private yacht-like atmosphere onboard with all ocean-front suites. Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 But, eventually, Steve uses his nerdy smarts to invent technology capable of transforming himself into a more suave alter ego: Stefan Urquelle. Christian Holub, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suave 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave
Adjective
  • Beyond basic chatbot capabilities, companies are racing to develop more sophisticated AI tools.
    Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • One is the dusty mine where the Guggenheim family made their fortune, prior to founding the sophisticated Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
    James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Such is the world in which Amy Berryman’s intelligent and compassionate climate-disaster drama — named for Thoreau’s treatise (though not, as the title might suggest, an adaptation of it) and now receiving its New York premiere under Whitney White’s graceful direction at Second Stage — takes place.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • By all accounts and appearances, Wade is just as graceful off the court.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • But behind every slick interface and smooth user experience lies a critical, often unseen process: Software Testing.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, apple cider, cream, vanilla, and salt, mixing until everything is smooth and combined, about 1 minute.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There are plenty of Scots and Irish in Toronto, but the proceedings are somewhat more civilized, if not a bit Hollywood-twee, what with lapdogs decked out as Michael Keaton’s famous character.
    Guy Martin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • As America finally melts down under the New Founding Fathers’ murderous regime, our heroes must take refuge by escaping over the border to Mexico — to more civilized lands.
    Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Now Morisseau, who is half Haitian and half Black American, is exploring a new setting, that of urbane Port-au-Prince, some years after the 2010 earthquake, a natural disaster that brought to the fore, with devastating clarity, the unnatural cycles of exploitation that threaten to define Haiti.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The independent clothing brand, founded in 2013 by designer Dan Snyder, reflects everything that’s artful, urbane and unapologetically audacious about a borough legendary for its feisty creativity.
    David Hochman, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Jonathan and his team were all very, very, very gracious.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Lucas Oil tweeted a video of the large, inflatable bracelet being hung while thanking their BFF Caesars Dome for the gracious gift.
    Kurtcia Collazo, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The rich, densely woven texture is complimented by a harmonious structure with polished tannins and elegance at the finish.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Stander believes the auction car was fitted with a polished Vortech supercharger by the previous owner about eight years ago.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near suave

Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on suave

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