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 The thriller follows two urbane brothers who witness a baby being kidnapped from an impoverished mother at a railway station in rural India. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 May 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 It’s based on writer-director-star Alan Alda’s 1981 film of the same name—an urbane box-office hit that has since been overshadowed by quintessentially ’80s rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally. Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025 While the town prided itself as the most urbane, sophisticated place between St. Louis and San Francisco, drunkenness, gambling and debauchery, typical of any frontier mining camp, were the hallmarks of its nightlife. Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for urbane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane
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
  • The Gauls had been described as barbarians by Julius Caesar and Livy, but now had become these Ur people, far more ancient and civilized than their ancient Roman detractors.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, Moon, high on ayahuasca, crashes a plane into their territory, effectively disappearing himself from civilized society.
    Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t miss the moment, grabbing these Demarson Odell Hoop Earrings, whose 12-karat gold and rhodium twist around each other in a graceful harmony.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Through his recounting, the film comes to life for both of them, with Lopez's Ingrid playing Aurora, Molina as her right-hand man, Kendall Nesbit, and Valentín as suave photographer, Armando.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
  • In American Psycho—costume designed by Isis Mussenden—Christian Bale plays businessman Patrick Bateman, who is all suave and sleek in his Cerruti suits by day.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Oct. 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Urbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbane. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on urbane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!