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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
Motion stays smooth and sharp, which is a clear benefit for users who rely on fast response times—especially gamers connected to a Steam Deck or Xbox. Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 Alternatively, the chef’s kitchen is sleek, modern, and fitted with smooth wood cabinetry and commercial-style stainless-steel appliances. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
The multi-styler comes with all kinds of attachments, including several long barrels, two smoothing brushes, a round volumizing brush, and a smoothing dryer. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Made from premium stretch denim, the jeans’ signature high-rise waistband slims the figure, smoothing and sculpting with every movement. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • These critical questions require a more sophisticated ethical framework.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The bipartisan vote signals that the final passage will likely be easy to gain as the upper chamber looks to pass the defense bill this month.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Perhaps the easiest was an airplane flying overhead.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The airport in Cap-Haïtien was calm and orderly, the streets were alive with daily commerce and children in bright yellow uniforms played together during recess.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the decent people who are likely to pay attention to calls for calm and cool aren’t the ones raising the temperature anyway.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Moreno said Echevarría’s lawyers failed to provide convincing evidence that Expedia Group facilitated the bookings and that the holding company could not be held liable for the actions of its subsidiary.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • At the center sits the 72-foot-tall installation of 1,632 curved glass panels, which facilitate energy-saving airflow while bathing the terminal in natural light.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lush lumps of rock crab arrived in a flying saucer made of ice and covered with kohlrabi shaved thin as a layer of frost.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • To get into character, the actor had to shave his head, wear a combover and adjust his posture to appear nearly a foot shorter in order to capture the American songwriter's physical appearance.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Given their stature, facilities and squad, this team is a rough diamond waiting to be polished.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Plenty of brands already offer or are transitioning to TPO-free formulas that contain different photoinitiators (a chemical that ​​makes gel polishes cure under a lamp instead of air-drying like regular polish) such as TPO-L, BAPO, or other resin initiators.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • From romantic florals to elegant damasks and bucolic toile scenes, old-world wallpaper is making a grand and graceful return.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That honest, messy middle—where ambition meets uncertainty and growth doesn’t always look graceful—has been essential in making Issa’s work so resonant and enduring.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With just a few chairs, a handful of tables and a simple tent, the setting was intimate but filled with love and intention.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And one of these, for those of us accustomed to British conventions but who follow the game in continental Europe, is the simple passage of time.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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