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

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 suave Idris and his wife paused to share a kiss at the event, with the action star wearing a suave dark gray suit and matching black shoes. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Rogers first appeared on General Hospital in December 1980 as Robert Scorpio, a suave international spy and former WSB (World Security Bureau) agent tasked with stopping the dangerous Ice Princess from falling into the wrong hands. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The next step will be to lock in the actor who will fill the suave superspy’s Savile Row suits. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 31 July 2025 Lina is rescued, soon returning home to 5-year-old daughter Sofia (Emma Fayo Duarte) and suave husband Pedro (the appealingly lupine Esteban Bigliardi). Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for suave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave
Adjective
  • Fabiana Filippi The intellectually sophisticated references behind Fabiana Filippi’s spring 2026 collection hinged on work of master photographers Vivian Maier, Arne Svenson and Luigi Ghirri, perfectly shown in the ultra-refined, textured daywear.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • There were also more relaxed but sophisticated looks, such as the tunics and coats with mandarin collars.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to beautiful blooms, October Magic® Ivory™ Camellia produces handsome evergreen foliage and develops a graceful, upright shape.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mickey, already back up top, stretched a graceful dive that made no splash.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When shopping, look for ginger root that is firm and smooth.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hamblin served the blended three-year-old rye finished in toasted barrel, which had a smooth, almost vanilla taste.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the reasons why Israel should have a right to defend itself is Israel is a civilized country.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Blyth provides a fitting foil to Jonsson’s softness with his endless spring of ruthless aggression, forcing Taylor’s primal survival instincts to butt against his more civilized sense that there has to be something more for him in this world.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Inspired by Japanese kissa jazz bars, these urbane spaces feature incredible audio systems and DJs spinning records for people who value the communal experience of taking in excellent music.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
  • Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Though McCartney was seemingly gracious in his attendance, comparisons between Oasis and The Beatles have been rife over the years, some of which were even spearheaded by members of Oasis themselves.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the Instagram video, Swift directed her Showgirl persona while sporting an oversized blazer, a black tank top, and crossover waist wide-leg jeans — three polished staples that are so smart to have on hand for fall.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The bestselling mule also got some colorful updates in polished patent.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on suave

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