URBANE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

urbane

adjective

ˌər-ˈbān

Definition of urbane next

as in sophisticated

having or showing very polished and worldly manners a gentlemanly and urbane host of elegant dinner parties

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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 independent clothing brand, founded in 2013 by designer Dan Snyder, reflects everything that’s artful, urbane and unapologetically audacious about a borough legendary for its feisty creativity. —

David Hochman, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 In contrast to the movement’s ragtag AK47-totting freedom fighters, the moderate and urbane Ramos-Horta championed the Timor-Leste cause in foreign capitals and especially at the U.N. —

Charlie Campbell / Dili, Timor-Leste, TIME, 4 Sep. 2024 The classical-meets-country-house architecture offers a relaxed lifestyle fused with urbane glamour and a thoroughly modern slate of creature comforts. —

Mark David, Robb Report, 18 June 2024 Examples included house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) and urbane digger bees (Anthophora urbana). —

Discover Magazine, 15 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for urbane

Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane

Adjective

As exclusion laws intensified during the late nineteenth century, Chinese migrants adopted increasingly sophisticated strategies to circumvent them.

— Jane Hu, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025
These plates are great for setting the tone for a sophisticated gathering.

— Nora Colomer, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025