smooth over
phrasal verb
smoothed over; smoothing over; smooths over also smoothes over
: to make (a disagreement, problem, difficulty, etc.) seem less serious than it really is
Don't worry about missing the application deadline—we'll smooth that over with the office.
She smoothed over the objections to his candidacy.
Examples of smooth over in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a time where our appearances are being constantly modified (digitally and surgically), frozen, smoothed over and shrunk down, being part of the full bush agenda feels like an act of self-preservation.
—
Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
In Miami, Kapoor’s URBIN brand was trying to smooth over serious snags with city regulators while also hitting cost overruns.
—Sarah Blaskey, Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025
This set with a 100% mulberry silk face mask and pillowcase, both of which help smooth over fine lines and frizz.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Giza cotton is more luxurious and durable than standard cotton, with extra-long fibers that resist pilling, withstand regular washing, and remain smooth over time.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smooth over
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Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025
In Miami, Kapoor’s URBIN brand was trying to smooth over serious snags with city regulators while also hitting cost overruns.
—Sarah Blaskey, Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025
This set with a 100% mulberry silk face mask and pillowcase, both of which help smooth over fine lines and frizz.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
Giza cotton is more luxurious and durable than standard cotton, with extra-long fibers that resist pilling, withstand regular washing, and remain smooth over time.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smooth over
Cite this Entry
“Smooth over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smooth%20over. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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