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Definition of smoothnext
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smooth

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of smooth are bland, diplomatic, politic, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When might bland be a better fit than smooth?

While in some cases nearly identical to smooth, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

In what contexts can diplomatic take the place of smooth?

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

a diplomatic negotiator

Where would politic be a reasonable alternative to smooth?

In some situations, the words politic and smooth are roughly equivalent. However, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When can suave be used instead of smooth?

The words suave and smooth are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When would urbane be a good substitute for smooth?

The words urbane and smooth can be used in similar contexts, but urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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

Some common synonyms of smooth are bland, diplomatic, politic, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When might bland be a better fit than smooth?

While in some cases nearly identical to smooth, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

In what contexts can diplomatic take the place of smooth?

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

a diplomatic negotiator

Where would politic be a reasonable alternative to smooth?

In some situations, the words politic and smooth are roughly equivalent. However, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When can suave be used instead of smooth?

The words suave and smooth are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When would urbane be a good substitute for smooth?

The words urbane and smooth can be used in similar contexts, 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 smooth
Adjective
From a full-spectrum red light therapy wand to a hands-free silicone face mask and a hair detangler designed to strengthen and revitalize, these devices are built to support smoother, healthier-looking skin and hair. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 Kehlani and fellow Grammy winner Leon Thomas find their sweet spot on this smooth track about making love to make up for the wrong. Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Don’t smooth it over just to keep the peace. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026 Spring wardrobe upgrades include a comfortable waffle knit two-piece set for over half off, Levi’s jeans that are $46 off, and a wireless smoothing bra that’s just $21. Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • The series’ earnestly naïve sound design (horses neighing, cars revving) only enhanced my appreciation of Joudrey’s sophisticated storytelling.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Ditto the sophisticated modulations and subtle rhythmic shifts that underpin Puth’s best songs.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Opta’s power rankings would suggest Arsenal are the only team in the league with easier fixtures between now and the end.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Drastic measures become easier to justify, both legally and politically.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lead with calm confidence, but keep your claims grounded.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The order facilitates research, encourages interagency coordination and creates a pathway for psychedelic therapies that have been difficult to study under existing regulatory constraints.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Born in a small town in southern China, Yang is among a new crop of young bicultural producers and directors facilitating the transfer of Chinese duanju to the rest of the world.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Reiner, with his head shaved and a scruffy goatee, wore a yellow prison top with blue prison pants.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Based on the physical locations of Burlington’s stores and vendors near the distribution center, the company expects to shave some freight costs relative to sales, said Kristin Wolfe, chief financial officer of Burlington Stores, during an earnings call on March 5.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That means steep hills, slick cobblestones, long outdoor lunches, golden-hour strolls, late-night cocktails, and somehow still looking polished through all of it.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Why had someone polished smooth one of the crania and decorated another with a pattern of scratch marks?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Old stone walls and graceful arches frame olive and citrus groves and gum trees, while antique pieces gathered from European markets dot the corners.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the Islamic Republic’s disintegration, whereas Trump, possibly satisfied with tactical success in Iran, may desire any graceful exit.
    Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • July 23 – August 22 Clarity today comes from keeping your message simple and grounded.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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