smooth 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

smooth

2 of 2

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
  • Boiled down in a cauldron using traditional methods, the sulfate-free formula bubbles up into a lovely lather that washes hands without stripping them (the glycerin, as well as coconut, olive, and sweet almond oils, are to thank) and fills the room with its sophisticated, Provençal scents.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Smart stability through clever control The key to this drone’s ability to stabilize is a sophisticated feedback controller.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 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
  • The Fed's current governance has facilitated groupthink that has led to significant monetary-policy errors.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Some brokers are facilitating this fraud by signing people up for coverage without their knowledge—and collecting a commission for their effort.
    Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 15 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
  • What color would the statue be if it were polished as envisioned?
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Lopez stepped out looking both cozy and polished in an oversized tailored and tied cream jacket and a slinky matching floor-length skirt.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 11 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
  • Their simple plan goes awry when one of their relatives wants a posh Korean wedding banquet in the heartfelt romantic comedy.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The inspiration The Copleys wanted a low-water garden that would be simple to care for.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on smooth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!