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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

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
Their work enabled smooth event flow across multiple venues and match cycles. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026 Sargent will continue to serve as Kroger’s chairman to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Using the back of a wet spoon, spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Virginia Willis, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026 Sea buckthorn oil helps prevent breakage, while saffron smooths the hair cuticle to minimize frizz and fight humidity. Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth
Adjective
  • Mostly, however, Gee’s sophisticated, stealthily moving film folds any bursts of emotion into its exquisitely dark shadows, letting Evans’ limpid but heartsore music do most of the weeping.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • At 5,300 years old, any of those explanations complicates the conventional picture of how sophisticated Predynastic Egyptian material science actually was.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Use features like in-app messaging, video chat before meeting in person, profile visibility controls and easy blocking or reporting options.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sánchez Arévalo has framed the film as a deliberate genre blend — thriller, drama, black comedy and Western — emphasizing that its resistance to easy labelling was central to the appeal.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But Vonn, whose injury history is almost as long as her résumé, looked calm during training, coach Aksel Lund Svindal said Saturday.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In court, Mickey grasps at straws, trying to clear his name, and in jail, the usually calm, cool and collected attorney is struggling to stay sane.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Still, lawmakers are pressing for a further reckoning over anyone who may have had knowledge of Epstein’s abuse or could have helped facilitate it.
    Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Paxton separately demanded that Austin ISD turn over records related to attendance, absences, security protocols and internal communications, accusing the district of facilitating the demonstrations.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As for pre-existing ones, Boone said that Carlos Rodón, recovering from elbow surgery to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur, and Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery last spring, are doing well with their throwing programs.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Shortly after revealing her diagnosis in February 2025, Mellencamp, 44, shaved her head to prep for surgery to remove a few of the tumors.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Set the scene Set on a leafy corner of Recoleta, close enough to the action but removed from the tourist hubbub, Sofitel is polished without being stuffy, the kind of place where everyone looks put-together even at breakfast.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Many are polished enough to appear legitimate at first glance.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Bulls can’t play graceful basketball anymore.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • With willow-like foliage and deep pink blooms all summer long, Twist of Pink™ Variegated Oleander makes a graceful focal point in gardens and containers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Feltner’s routine was pretty simple.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Crime 101 takes the same view of quid pro quo as the most basic form of American commerce and makes simple but brutal points about value and self-worth, where your car, its year, make and model, matters more than your resumé.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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