SUAVE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'suave' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of suave are bland , diplomatic , politic , smooth , and urbane . While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction. // a suave public relations coordinator

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bland' instead of 'suave'?

The words bland and suave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities. // a bland master of ceremonies

Q: When would 'diplomatic' be a good substitute for 'suave'?

Although the words diplomatic and suave have much in common, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully. // a diplomatic negotiator

Q: When might 'politic' be a better fit than 'suave'?

The meanings of politic and suave largely overlap; however, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people. // a cunningly politic manager

Q: In what contexts can 'smooth' take the place of 'suave'?

In some situations, the words smooth and suave are roughly equivalent. However, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity. // a smooth salesman

Q: When can 'urbane' be used instead of 'suave'?

The synonyms urbane and suave are sometimes interchangeable, but urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience. // an urbane traveler

suave

adjective

ˈswäv

Definition of suave next

as in sophisticated

having or showing very polished and worldly manners the suave gentleman was a great favorite of the elegant ladies who attended parties at the embassy

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How is the word suave different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of suave are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use bland instead of suave?

The words bland and suave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When would diplomatic be a good substitute for suave?

Although the words diplomatic and suave have much in common, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might politic be a better fit than suave?

The meanings of politic and suave largely overlap; however, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

In what contexts can smooth take the place of suave?

In some situations, the words smooth and suave are roughly equivalent. However, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can urbane be used instead of suave?

The synonyms urbane and suave are sometimes interchangeable, 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 suave Johnson loses the suave charm that has become his signature and shows vulnerability, and humanity, like never before. —

Adam Graham, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025 Black Star The Black Stars is also the name of the Ghanaian national men’s soccer team, but Amaarae is the suave captain of another club. —

Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2025 The Australian star looked suave in a black suit and tie, while Foster, 50, matched in a black sequined dress. —

Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 2 Dec. 2025 The actor revealed he was approached for the role of suave action-hero James Bond following Sean Connery's departure from the franchise. —

Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave

Adjective

However, in recent years, expanding through acquisitions has required more sophisticated thinking and execution.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
From warm neutrals to deep earth tones, designers agree that countertops in 2026 will strike a delicate balance between sophisticated and unexpectedly playful.

— Cori Sears, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026

Definition of sophisticated

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“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of suave

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