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

as in sophisticated

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in easy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in plane

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in calm

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shave

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 smooth

Adjective

Uniqlo offers Airism, a collection of light, smooth innerwear, T-shirts and casualwear designed to be cool-to-the-touch, moisture-wicking and fast-drying. — David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 The bottoms have a flattering waistband for non-constricting tummy control and no center seam for a smooth, sleek look. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

In a studio in Kenya, hands smooth a mound of clay on a spinning pottery wheel. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Owners should brush through the full coat several times a week, and often daily during heavier shedding periods, rather than merely smoothing the top layer. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smooth

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smooth

Adjective

The Future According to Brad is chunks in shades of butterscotch, caramel, and cinnamon—sophisticated candy colors.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Chemical suppliers are developing increasingly sophisticated products, while machinery, software and process control continue to improve.

— Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sophisticated

Adjective

The new flat surfaces seem a little low, but that may be by design to discourage folks from camping out there.

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Under clingy fabrics, prioritize flat seams, no-dig leg openings, and thinner materials that are less likely to show.

— Malia Griggs, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of flat

Adjective

Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
As a priest, Lamb held a calm, patient and somewhat self-deprecating sense of perspective.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of calm

Verb

According to the investigation, the Clippers broke league rules by initiating off-court income opportunities and facilitating endorsement agreements between Leonard and four companies that also did business with the team.

— Josh Feldman, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Relations with Morocco have been strained following reports that its government had facilitated the mass border crossing, but Sánchez tamped down the speculation.

— Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of facilitate

Verb

One of Goldman’s models suggests that Korea’s fast aging population could shave as much as 25 basis points from annual consumption growth over the next decade.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Luckily, Atlanta is home to a wider world of frozen desserts, from Indonesian shaved ice to Mexican popsicles.

— Lia Picard - For the AJC, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of shave

Adjective

As with many of the academic cases, there are often no permanent consequences for Pretendians; they are either allowed to continue teaching or granted a graceful retirement.

— Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of graceful

Browse Nearby Words

smooching

smooth

smoothbore

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Style

“Smooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smooth. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of smooth

adjective

verb

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