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 The Epstein of the birthday book is charming and suave but also menacing. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2025 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 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
  • Just as sophisticated as Hamas, which built hundreds of miles of underground tunnels as part of its preparations for war with Israel?
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Spanning the entire 54th floor of the sinuous Echo Brickell is one such mansion in the sky, this one a sophisticated assemblage of high-quality finishes and bold design.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During a visit here, travelers can swim with these large, graceful creatures and also see schools of fish and other sea life.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Japanese marque’s latest midsize SUV looks so much better than its predecessor and has a smooth, graceful shape with just the right amount of flair.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The katakuchi spout is a nod to functionality, allowing for smooth pouring during tea ceremonies or morning caffeine cravings.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Long-term success isn’t defined by smooth quarters but by the consistency of form across time.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter were also perhaps more civilized, given the influence of Audi’s 1998 acquisition.
    Iain Macauley, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Get free or cheap coffee without leaving your house, like a civilized person in the age of the internet.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 29 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
  • The comments section quickly sided with the gracious host.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The influencer was gracious about her departure, though.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With Circle to Search, though, the feature isn't as polished right now.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The decorative buttons on the cuff add a polished touch, while the back slit on the pencil silhouette creates a flattering, leg-lengthening effect.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on suave

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