SMOOTH Synonyms: 359 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

smooth 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsmüt͟h

Definition of smooth next

as in sophisticated

having or showing very polished and worldly manners a smooth salesman of expensive jewelry

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Relevance

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as in easy

involving minimal difficulty or effort it should be smooth going from this point on

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as in plane

having a surface without bends, breaks, or irregularities a smooth skating rink

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as in calm

free from emotional or mental agitation his smooth disposition and leadership qualities lend themselves well to the position

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smooth

2 of 2

verb

as in to facilitate

to free from obstruction or difficulty a willingness to compromise will smooth the way to an early agreement

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as in to shave

to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the workers smoothed the surface of the concrete before letting it dry

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as in to polish

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure used fine sandpaper to smooth the face of the wood

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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

Examples 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

Add mustard and olive oil; continue to process until mixture forms smooth paste, about ten to twelve 2-second pulses; scrape sides of processor bowl with rubber spatula after 5 pulses. —

Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024 Puree the carrots in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. —

Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024

Verb

Zoom in: Both Thune and Cornyn have had rocky relationships with former President Trump but have worked hard to smooth them over. —

Stef W. Kight, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 Cavalcante elaborates, explaining that while regular conditioners primarily smooth the hair’s outer layer (the cuticle) for daily hydration and detangling, deep conditioners go further, formulated with richer ingredients—like oils, proteins, and butters—to nourish and strengthen from within. —

Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for smooth

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth

Adjective

This has led to a sophisticated rewards and cash-back system the banks use to incent consumer behavior.

Dustin Eide, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
While businesses have long used data to drive decision-making, sophisticated software and cutting-edge AI tools are enabling an unprecedented level of data access and analysis.

Naveen Singh, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024