urbane

adjective

ˌər-ˈbān How to pronounce urbane (audio)
Definition of urbanenext
as in sophisticated
having or showing very polished and worldly manners a gentlemanly and urbane host of elegant dinner parties

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of urbane are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and suave. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

When could bland be used to replace urbane?

In some situations, the words bland and urbane are roughly equivalent. However, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When might diplomatic be a better fit than urbane?

The synonyms diplomatic and urbane are sometimes interchangeable, but diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When is politic a more appropriate choice than urbane?

While in some cases nearly identical to urbane, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Where would smooth be a reasonable alternative to urbane?

While the synonyms smooth and urbane are close in meaning, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of urbane?

Although the words suave and urbane have much in common, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

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 urbane The old game show features a panel of urbane socialites trying to guess the occupation of regular Americans (and, blindfolded, the identity of celebrities). — Dan Zak, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 The four-month residency—M by the Alinea Group—is in the resort’s main town, Mountain Village, and is designed to fit into the low-key landscape, yet sizzle with urbane details that reference the Mountain West. — Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026 Alexander and Stephan Papp, the urbane brothers and qualified doctors behind this wellness resort, have over 50 years of medical experience between them and the latest state-of-the-art equipment on hand to ensure that learning to live longer for guests is also fabulously good fun. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026 There's cynic Kate (Fey) and her golden retriever husband Jack (Forte), even more cynical and gossipy Danny (Domingo) and his urbane husband Claude (Marco Calvani), Nick's aggrieved ex-wife Anne and his very pregnant girlfriend Ginny. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for urbane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane
  1. sophisticated
  2. civilized
  3. graceful
  4. suave
  5. gracious
  6. smooth
Adjective
  • The food options are notably more sophisticated than standard commercial airline fare.
    — Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Go casual with denim shorts or lean more sophisticated with crisp trousers for the office — two ways Swift has styled white shirts before.
    — Claire West, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of sophisticated
Adjective
  • Her generation was one of thinkers, politically committed to defining how individuals were to be shaped as citizens of a civilized nation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • In Season 3, the team enters Dinopia, a civilized dinosaur world, to face threats endangering both worlds through friendship, courage, and teamwork.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of civilized
Adjective
  • Their beauty also shapes traditional dance in Rwanda, with graceful movements performed by women who extend their arms to mimic the cows’ horns.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The graceful trailing stems and showy flowers of climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) look beautiful growing on pergolas and fences.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • Waddingham wore a stunning velvet rose bodycon dress and posed for cameras next to Beresford-Cleary, who opted for a suave suit paired with an open white shirt.
    — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • Jada oozed cool in logomania jeans and a black jacket, while Will looked suave in a short sleeve button-up and khaki pants.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 June 2026
Definition of suave
Adjective
  • Thanks to a gracious group of Team Algeria soccer supporters, the city of Lawrence will forever have a reminder of its role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • The axe came down swiftly and brutally, but, speaking candidly, Geoff Daniels, PBS’ Vice President, Programming & Development, was gracious about it, thanking the audience of mostly media industry people for their camaraderie.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • Morton kosher salt and blend until mostly smooth with no whole pieces of corn left, about 4 minutes.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Directions In a large bowl whisk together vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until slightly thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Definition of smooth

Browse Nearby Words

urban
urbane
urbanite
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Cite this Entry

“Urbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbane. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of urbane for Spanish Speakers

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