Definition of urbanenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of urbane are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and suave. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

When could bland be used to replace urbane?

In some situations, the words bland and urbane are roughly equivalent. However, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When might diplomatic be a better fit than urbane?

The synonyms diplomatic and urbane are sometimes interchangeable, but diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When is politic a more appropriate choice than urbane?

While in some cases nearly identical to urbane, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Where would smooth be a reasonable alternative to urbane?

While the synonyms smooth and urbane are close in meaning, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of urbane?

Although the words suave and urbane have much in common, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

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 urbane Brennan’s multifarious pieces at times nod to progressive-rock at its most urbane — in particular such bands as Gentle Giant, Tangerine Dream and Happy The Man. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Dec. 2025 In comparison to its many peers, Jingle Bell Heist is sophisticated and urbane. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025 There's been a reappraisal of nostalgic American folk decor as of late by young, urbane tastemakers, but the look never really went away. Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Nov. 2025 Her debut novel follows Davis, a young Black gay violinist who was raised by a devout Christian father in Ohio, who has since fled the Midwest for an urbane gay life in New York City, complete with a wedding to the love of his life, Everett. Ana Osorno, Them., 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for urbane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane
Adjective
  • During this time, civilization saw the emergence of more sophisticated tools, such as those made of bone, ivory, and antlers, according to Britannica.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Typically, drones navigate using a combination of sensors, cameras, controllers, a power source, and sophisticated algorithms that interpret environmental data to make decisions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The best actor nominee isn’t the only one noticing a significant change on the red carpet this season — though some events, like the annual VF Oscar Party, have always been more civilized than others.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Denying them those opportunities in an attempt to punish their parents should be abhorrent to any civilized nation.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Although this year’s edition of the Oscars, which aired on ABC on March 15, was hardly in the class of the 1972 installment, there was at least one moment that recalled Johnson’s witty, graceful sendup of stars commandeering the ceremony to climb atop their soapbox.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Your graceful mindset calms tension, while a tidy workspace restores focus and keeps cooperation smooth.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Nespresso’s new era under Lipa will mark a shift from the suave Clooney ads that always featured the actor in a gray suit, usually as the butt of the joke.
    Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
  • This casting also gives more oomph to the musical’s love quadrilateral, which pairs Queenie and Burrs with a B-couple, the rising star Kate (the ever-magnetic Adrienne Warren) and her escort, Black (an exceptionally suave Jelani Alladin), who are here both darker-skinned.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Not a good idea when your intention is to be gracious.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Bottom-liners had also nixed Gehry’s original design for a more gracious lobby with a cafe out front, not the gloomy one installed against his will.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Helium enables smooth production of semiconductors since the gas prevents unwanted chemical reactions in the manufacturing process.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Maxim Rud’s transition from intern to orthopedic traumatologist wasn’t smooth or gradual.
    Mariia Yastreba, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Urbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbane. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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