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 Sean Connery originated the role of the suave British superspy, followed by David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Craig. Shania Russell, EW.com, 30 July 2025 What’s more, Renoir emphasizes Robert’s identity by casting the suave and ebullient Marcel Dalio, born in Paris as Israel Mosche Blauschild. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 July 2025 Burton, with his suave wine knowledge and globe-trotting persona, mingled with the elite of wine circles in London, New York, and Hong Kong, according to reporting by The Times. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 July 2025 At the top of the peak is Dakota Johnson’s matchmaker, stuck between an ex-boyfriend and a suave millionaire, played by Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, respectively. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for suave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave
Adjective
  • These critical questions require a more sophisticated ethical framework.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because exits in sports seldom are graceful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Adorned with Japanese flowers and trees of the season, the vase gives a dignified, graceful welcome to visitors arriving in the main entrance lobby.
    Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Pre-season was smoother compared to last year’s disruption when the women’s team had to move out of their building to make way for the men’s team.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The reversible duvet cover is made from 100 percent organic cotton and has a honeycomb texture on one side and a smooth cotton percale finish on the other.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the needs of civilized society have a way of intruding.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what is happening in the region.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 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
  • Percussion and a choir imbued the ballad with a pulse, and the gracious Warren quickly turned to clap for the singers at song’s end.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The 63-year-old chef helms the kitchen at Vila Joya—the restaurant of a gracious boutique hotel in Portugal that shares its name—which earned one Michelin star in 1995 and a second in 1999.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With a yellow gold case framing the timeless depth of a polished Onyx dial, the Geneva Minute Repeater was one of the absolute best drops in Geneva last week.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Tongue-and-groove construction makes for easy installation on site and a polished look when finished.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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