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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

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
But things aren't a smooth ride as Fancy simultaneously is planning her bridezilla baby sister, Belle's (Sy'rai Smith), wedding. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 Features like full-color displays, dual smart unlocking options, and the shocfree™ suspension system help make every ride smoother, safer, and more intuitive—freeing riders from the stress of traffic and unreliable public transit. Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Libra moon meeting Venus smooths everything over. Usa Today, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025 Circular sanders smooth rough edges on costly Sitka spruce soundboards. Joel Williams, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • But in 2013, with the availability of more sophisticated tools for fossil analysis, Archer wondered if further examination of that bone might uncover clues that had been overlooked previously.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In one of the multi-hyphenate's most recent posts, Paltrow shared a glimpse of her new clothing line, tagging the brand Gwyn in her caption and wearing a sophisticated, tan cashmere sweater that immediately caught our eye.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That being said, some travel essentials stay packed and ready—the gear, gadgets, and go-tos that make every trip that much easier.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
  • With Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy back, things have gotten a lot easier for Kelce.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From clever packing solutions and cozy in-flight accessories, to tiny upgrades that make a huge difference midair, all of these travel hacks are pilot-approved for keeping your journey calm, clean, and surprisingly comfortable from takeoff to touchdown.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Pasolini works in an atmosphere of calm.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The fact that diners love ordering in so much gives the huge companies that facilitate it tremendous power.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Karbler thinks this movie can start to facilitate that.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Moviegoers had to agree to have their hair shaved off by a barber in the theater's lobby.
    NPR, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Boston College men's basketball point-shaving scandal One of the clearest examples of La Cosa Nostra's reach in sports was the 1978-79 scandal involving Boston College and two associates of the Lucchese crime family.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Butler leads with steady confidence, and Williams follows with a dainty, graceful flow that draws every eye in the room.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In Hubble's recent image, NGC 6951 unfurls its graceful spiral arms, covered in red nebulae glowing with hydrogen gas, a key fuel for new stars.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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