smooth over

verb

smoothed over; smoothing over; smooths over also smoothes over
: to make (a disagreement, problem, difficulty, etc.) seem less serious than it really is
Don't worry about missing the application deadline—we'll smooth that over with the office.
She smoothed over the objections to his candidacy.

Examples of smooth over in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Modern-day formulas are often weightless and tout ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to plump up the skin and keep it hydrated—while evening out tone and smoothing over textured spots. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026 Steven Soderbergh gave her a story about passing out at Clooney’s 40th-birthday party, an embarrassing moment the star smoothed over with his trademark aplomb. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Just like a winning gymnast could amplify a nation’s victories, an impassioned girl character could also smooth over a nation’s violence. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 This formula triggers cell turnover and collagen production, per Cleveland Clinic, and in turn, smooths over fine lines and wrinkles. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth over

Rhymes for smooth over

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Browse Nearby Words

smooth out
smooth over
smooth-running
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Cite this Entry

“Smooth over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smooth%20over. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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