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 Complex and textured with bright, gentle and suave acidity and pronounced tannins. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 But where Bukele is violent and vicious, Orbán is suave and subtle — systematically manipulating law to tear apart democracy while keeping its basic veneer intact. Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025 Stuart’s prince is suave, worldly, world-weary, charismatic — every inch a prince, really. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 7 Apr. 2025 Well integrated suave tannins and red fruit and flavors that include blueberries in this light and fine juice. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave
Adjective
  • Designer Rosanna Bossom and new owner Tara MacBain have blended a sophisticated touch with the exuberance of the 1970s in what was once a sort of gentlemen’s club, and that is now open to everyone, with an alfresco terrace emphasizing its unwavering attachment to the neighborhood.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • With a clean ring pattern in a range of sophisticated colors, these sets achieve a summer-ready trifecta: crisp, cool, and utterly transportive.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Simulating data poisoning, rare clinical conditions and system failures, then automating rollback triggers, ensures graceful degradation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Audiences expect costume epics to be beautiful and kinetic – flying swords, graceful choreography.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Building on the smooth R&B of her 2016 fan-favorite Lauren EP, Just Keke finds its narrative anchor in spoken word interludes that emphasize the album’s overarching variety show concept.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 June 2025
  • Its smooth satin materiality makes the shoe easy to fold and travel-friendly, while ensuring a barefoot-like feel that not many other top white sneakers can secure.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran has been stringing along international watchdogs and civilized nations for years regarding its nuclear program.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025
  • The whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Lemon writes that international media tends to depict the metro dogs as urbane, independent citizens who know how to stay calm and go about their business in a crowd.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • To their credit, the Heat have been gracious in their credit to the Panthers.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • The food was unfussy and full-flavored, the service gracious, and the staff — from the spa therapists to the bakers — seemed genuinely happy to be here.
    Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Related Story For a more elevated aesthetic, Dotto notes they can also be worn raw or given a light wash to evoke the polished sophistication of formalwear.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 June 2025
  • This pair is the best of both worlds, with polished fabric straps, a cushioned memory foam footbed, and an arch-supportive design that keeps your feet ache-free while complementing just about any outfit in your wardrobe.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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