Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having an even and regular surface; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations: Describes a surface that is not rough, bumpy, or irregular.
   • Free from difficulties or obstacles; proceeding without problems: Describes a process, journey, or experience that is easy and uninterrupted.
   • Of a liquid, especially a body of water: calm and undisturbed; not turbulent: Describes water that is still and without waves.
   • Of movement: even and continuous, without sudden changes or jolts: Describes motion that is fluid and steady.
   • Pleasant and agreeable, especially in a way that is intended to be charming but may seem insincere: Describes speech, manners, or a person that is suave, polished, and possibly ingratiating.

2. Noun:

   • The act of making something smooth: The process of smoothing a surface.
   • A smooth part or place: An area that is smooth.

3. Verb:

   • To make a surface smooth by applying pressure or using a tool: To remove roughness or irregularities from a surface.
   • To make a situation or process easier by removing obstacles or difficulties: To facilitate progress.
   • To apply a substance to a surface to make it shiny: To polish or gloss.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The table had a very smooth finish. (The surface of the table was even and not rough.)
  • We hope for a smooth transition to the new system. (We hope the change happens without problems.)
  • The lake was smooth as glass this morning. (The surface of the lake was perfectly calm.)
  • The dancer's movements were incredibly smooth. (The dancer's motions were fluid and graceful.)
  • He was a smooth talker who could convince anyone. (He spoke in a charming, persuasive, and possibly insincere way.)

• Noun:

  • He gave the wood a final smooth with sandpaper. (He made the wood even with a final sanding action.)
  • The smooth of the marble felt cool. (The smooth part/area of the marble felt cool.)

• Verb:

  • She used a plane to smooth the edge of the board. (She used a tool to make the board's edge even.)
  • The mediator helped smooth the negotiations. (The mediator helped make the negotiations proceed more easily.)
  • Smooth the frosting on the cake with a knife. (Make the cake's frosting surface even.)

Advanced Usage

• "to smooth things over": to try to make people feel less angry or upset about something, especially after an argument.
  • He tried to smooth things over with an apology.
• "smooth sailing": a period of easy progress without difficulties.
  • After the initial problems, the project was smooth sailing.
• "smooth operator": (informal) a person, especially a man, who is charming and persuasive, often in a calculated way.
  • Be careful, he's a real smooth operator.

Variants and Related Words

• Smoothly (adverb): in a smooth manner.
  • The event ran smoothly.
• Smoothness (noun): the quality of being smooth.
  • I was impressed by the smoothness of the engine.
• Smoother (noun): a tool for smoothing.
• Smoothing (noun/gerund): the action of making something smooth.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Even, flat, level, polished, sleek, calm, tranquil, fluid, effortless, suave, urbane.
• Verb: Flatten, level, polish, buff, ease, facilitate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Smooth away: to remove problems or difficulties.
  • He managed to smooth away their concerns.
• Smooth down: to make something flat or neat by pressing it.
  • She smoothed down her skirt.
• Smooth out: to remove wrinkles, folds, or irregularities; to resolve problems.
  • We need to smooth out these issues before proceeding.

Related Idioms

• Take the rough with the smooth: to accept the unpleasant parts of a situation as well as the pleasant ones.
  • In any relationship, you have to take the rough with the smooth.
• (As) smooth as silk/velvet: extremely smooth.
  • Her voice was as smooth as silk.

Adjective

1. (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
   • a ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
   • the quiet waters of a lagoon
   • a lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
   • a smooth channel crossing
   • scarcely a ripple on the still water
   • unruffled water
2. lacking obstructions or difficulties
   • the bill's path through the legislature was smooth and orderly
3. of motion that runs or flows or proceeds without jolts or turbulence
   • a smooth ride
4. (music) without breaks between notes; smooth and connected
   • a legato passage
5. smooth and unconstrained in movement
   • a long, smooth stride
   • the fluid motion of a cat
   • the liquid grace of a ballerina
6. of the margin of a leaf shape; not broken up into teeth
7. smoothly agreeable and courteous with a degree of sophistication
   • he was too politic to quarrel with so important a personage
   • the manager pacified the customer with a smooth apology for the error
8. having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
   • smooth skin
   • a smooth tabletop
   • smooth fabric
   • a smooth road
   • water as smooth as a mirror

Noun

1. the act of smoothing
   • he gave his hair a quick smooth

Verb

1. free from obstructions
   • smooth the way towards peace negotiations
2. make (a surface) shine
   • shine the silver, please
   • polish my shoes
3. make smooth or smoother, as if by rubbing
   • smooth the surface of the wood