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 In the years since this novel was released, popular culture has fallen in love with the urbane, suave and sophisticated version of Lecter that lives in our zeitgeist. S.a. Cosby, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 Tony Roberts, the urbane supporting actor known for his collaborations with Woody Allen in six films — including the Oscar best picture winner Annie Hall — and two Broadway plays, died Friday. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Also known as Bozen, the prosperous city is a taste of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a reminder that today’s Italy is only about 100 years old, and an especially urbane pan-European corner of Europe. Ann Abel, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Murnau’s reimagining of the Count is monstrous rather than urbane. David Sims, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for urbane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for urbane
Adjective
  • The cooler tones within this taupe shade are sophisticated and elegant when paired with veiny marble details.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The sophisticated bouquet features a monochrome rose and carnation mix that any mom would be thrilled to receive.
    Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lighting is sufficient for patrons to take it all in, and the sound level, despite the size of the room, has been successfully brought down to a civilized level.
    John Mariani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Even a hearing on the proposal to arm school staff is equal parts passionate and civilized, as the majority gun-owning constituents don’t all agree that the Second Amendment should extend to the classroom.
    Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As with most new pursuits, our learning curve was steep and our movements the antithesis of graceful.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After wrapping up his nine-season run as the debonair, suave super lawyer on the USA drama Suits in 2019, Macht intentionally stepped away from acting in order to refocus his attention on spending more time with his family and raising his two young children.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025
  • This is a captivating mystery, with delicate red fruits blanketing firm but suave tannins.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Clara’s Table restaurant is Dearborn Inn’s tribute to Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These aren’t just cosmetic—they’re the kinds of behind-the-scenes changes that help make an already stellar game feel even smoother.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The stamp has no expiration date and was introduced to make the transition from one stamp cost to the next a much smoother process, the postal service said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Urbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/urbane. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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