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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 suave Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2024 Known for his suave vocals, Jones earned attention from the music industry after recording demos for songwriter Don Raye, according to a bio on his website. —

Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 Veteran actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays central character Lord Yoshii Toranaga, meanwhile looked suave in a navy wool tuxedo with silk lapels by Dior Men. —

Oscar Holland, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 The film's effects may be a bit hokey by today's standards, but its chilling tale of nature in revolt—led by Tippi Hedren's chic San Francisco socialite Melanie Daniels and Rod Taylor's suave defense attorney Mitch Brenner—stands the test of time. —

Megan McCluskey, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 Opposite Sosa Villada is her suave and stable love interest, a Mexican lawyer played by Ozark mainstay Alfonso Herrera. —

Holly Jones, Variety, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave

Adjective

Combining different age statements and finishing casks contributes to its depth and richness, creating a unique and sophisticated sipping experience.

Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Sleek and sophisticated, monochromatic schemes—particularly in white, gold and silver—are trending, like this silver belles-inspired 40-count ornament set.

Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024