Definition of urbanenext

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 There's been a reappraisal of nostalgic American folk decor as of late by young, urbane tastemakers, but the look never really went away. Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Nov. 2025 Her debut novel follows Davis, a young Black gay violinist who was raised by a devout Christian father in Ohio, who has since fled the Midwest for an urbane gay life in New York City, complete with a wedding to the love of his life, Everett. Ana Osorno, Them., 21 Nov. 2025 The mood was comfortably urbane, with edge. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Inspired by Japanese kissa jazz bars, these urbane spaces feature incredible audio systems and DJs spinning records for people who value the communal experience of taking in excellent music. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for urbane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane
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
  • In an era when roads were still rough and driving was still novel, electric automobiles seemed civilized.
    Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
  • There is a much more civilized way to do this that involves working together with state officials opposed to inserting the administration’s will on a state whose citizens have stood up for their neighbors and said this is not right!
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 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
  • My own parents met coming out of a movie theater in New Britain when my less than suave Coast Guard father pestered my mother for a date.
    Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Aside from suave showmanship and feel-good Latin rhythms, the outspoken singer paid tribute to his Latino heritage and Puerto Rican history during his performance.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To her credit, Shiffrin was gracious in defeat.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Shiffrin was predictably gracious in defeat — as rare as those defeats are.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The fragrance opens with a playful burst of juicy raspberry before folding into warm vanilla blossom, eventually settling into a smooth veil of cashmere musk that feels cozy without ever becoming heavy.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Try making vichyssoise, a simple, smooth soup combining leeks and potatoes.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Urbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbane. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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