Word forms: comparative smoother, superlative smoothest, 3rd person singular presenttense smooths, present participle smoothing, past tense, past participle smoothed
1. adjective
A smooth surface has no roughness, lumps, or holes.
...a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth.
...a smooth surface such as glass.
The flagstones beneath their feet were worn smooth by centuries of use.
Synonyms: sleek, polished, shiny, glossy More Synonyms of smooth
smoothnessuncountable noun [with supplement]
...the smoothness of her skin.
Synonyms: evenness, regularity, levelness, flushness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: fluency, finish, flow, ease More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: ease, simplicity, straightforwardness, effortlessness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: suavity, urbanity, oiliness, glibness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: calmness, serenity, stillness, placidity More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: sleekness, softness, smooth texture, silkiness More Synonyms of smooth
2. adjective
A smooth liquid or mixture has been mixed well so that it has no lumps.
Continue whisking until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Blend the cornflour to a smooth paste with a little cold water.
Synonyms: creamy, velvety, whipped More Synonyms of smooth
3. adjective
If you describe a drink such as wine, whisky, or coffee as smooth, you mean that it is not bitter and is pleasant to drink.
This makes the coffee much smoother.
Synonyms: mellow, pleasant, mild, soothing More Synonyms of smooth
4. adjective
A smooth line or movement has no sudden breaks or changes in direction or speed.
This exercise is done in one smooth motion.
...the smooth curve of the trunk.
Synonyms: flowing, steady, fluent, regular More Synonyms of smooth
smoothlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
Make sure that you execute all movements smoothly and without jerking.
'I've no idea,' he said smoothly.
smoothnessuncountable noun [with supplement]
Sayer was delighted with the smoothness of the engine.
Synonyms: evenness, regularity, levelness, flushness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: fluency, finish, flow, ease More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: ease, simplicity, straightforwardness, effortlessness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: suavity, urbanity, oiliness, glibness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: calmness, serenity, stillness, placidity More Synonyms of smooth
5. adjective
A smooth ride, flight, or sea crossing is very comfortable because there are no unpleasant movements.
The active suspension system gives the car a very smooth ride.
smoothnessuncountable noun [with supplement]
The smoothness of the flight was memorable.
Synonyms: evenness, regularity, levelness, flushness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: fluency, finish, flow, ease More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: ease, simplicity, straightforwardness, effortlessness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: suavity, urbanity, oiliness, glibness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: calmness, serenity, stillness, placidity More Synonyms of smooth
6. adjective
You use smooth to describe something that is going well and is free of problems or trouble.
Political hopes for a swift and smooth transition to democracy have been dashed.
A number of problems marred the smooth running of this event.
Synonyms: easy, straightforward, trouble-free, effortless More Synonyms of smooth
smoothlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
So far, talks at GM have gone smoothly.
The operation was moving along smoothly.
smoothnessuncountable noun [with supplement]
The smoothness of your transitions depend on how you mesh with the other people inyour life.
Synonyms: evenness, regularity, levelness, flushness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: fluency, finish, flow, ease More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: ease, simplicity, straightforwardness, effortlessness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: suavity, urbanity, oiliness, glibness More Synonyms of smooth
Synonyms: calmness, serenity, stillness, placidity More Synonyms of smooth
7. adjective
If you describe someone, especially a man, as smooth, you mean that they are extremely smart, confident, and polite, often in a way that you find rather unpleasant.
Twelve extremely good-looking, smooth young men have been picked as finalists.
He was the smoothest and probably the most powerful chief of staff in political memory.
Synonyms: suave, slick, persuasive, urbane More Synonyms of smooth
8. verb
If you smooth something, you move your hands over its surface to make it smooth and flat.
She stood up and smoothed down her frock. [VERB noun with adverb]
Bardo smoothed his moustache. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: flatten, level, press, plane More Synonyms of smooth
9. verb
If you smooth something somewhere, you use your hands to spread it there.
She smoothed the lotion across his shoulder blades. [VERB noun preposition]
His fingers smoothed the hair back from her face. [VERB noun with adverb]
Synonyms: spread, rub, smear More Synonyms of smooth
10.
See smooth the path/way
11.
See take the rough with the smooth
Phrasal verbs:
See smooth out
See smooth over
More Synonyms of smooth
smooth in British English
(smuːð)
adjective
1.
resting in the same plane; without bends or irregularities
2.
silky to the touch
smooth velvet
3.
lacking roughness of surface; flat
4.
tranquil or unruffled
smooth temper
5.
lacking obstructions or difficulties
6.
a.
suave or persuasive, esp as suggestive of insincerity
b.
(in combination)
smooth-tongued
7.
(of the skin) free from hair
8.
of uniform consistency
smooth batter
9.
not erratic; free from jolts
smooth driving
10.
not harsh or astringent
a smooth wine
11.
having all projections worn away
smooth tyres
12. mathematics
(of a curve) differentiable at every point
13. phonetics
without preliminary or simultaneous aspiration
14.
gentle to the ear; flowing
15. physics
(of a plane, surface, etc) regarded as being frictionless
adverb
16.
in a calm or even manner; smoothly
verb(mainly tr)
17. (also intr; often foll bydown)
to make or become flattened or without roughness or obstructions
18. (often foll byout or away)
to take or rub (away) in order to make smooth
she smoothed out the creases in her dress
19.
to make calm; soothe
20.
to make easier
smooth his path
21. electrical engineering
to remove alternating current ripple from the output of a direct current power supply
22. obsolete
to make more polished or refined
noun
23.
the smooth part of something
24.
the act of smoothing
25. tennis, squash, badminton
the side of a racket on which the binding strings form a continuous line
Compare rough (sense 27)
Derived forms
smoothable (ˈsmoothable)
adjective
smoother (ˈsmoother)
noun
smoothly (ˈsmoothly)
adverb
smoothness (ˈsmoothness)
noun
Word origin
Old English smōth; related to Old Saxon māthmundi gentle-minded, smōthi smooth
smooth in American English
(smuð)
adjective
1.
a.
having an even or level surface; having no roughness or projections that can be seen or felt
b.
having its projections leveled by wear
a smooth tire
2.
having an even consistency; without lumps
a smooth paste
3.
even, calm, or gentle in flow or movement
a smooth voyage
4.
free from interruptions, obstacles, difficulties, etc.
smooth progress
5.
not easily agitated or ruffled; calm; serene
a smooth temper
6.
free from hair, beard, etc.
7.
pleasing to the taste; not sharp or harsh; bland
8.
having an easy, gentle, flowing rhythm or sound
9. US
suave, polished, or ingratiating, esp. in a flattering, insincere way
10. US, Informal
polished; competent
a smooth dancer
11. Slang
very pleasant, attractive, or enjoyable
12. Mechanics
having relatively little friction
13. Phonetics
articulated without aspiration
verb transitive
14.
to make level or even
15.
to remove the lumps from
16.
to remove wrinkles from by pressing
17.
to free from interruptions, difficulties, etc.; make easy
18.
to make calm or serene; soothe
19.
to make less crude; polish or refine
verb intransitive
20.
to become smooth
adverb
21.
in a smooth manner
noun
22.
something smooth; smooth part
23.
an act of smoothing
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈeasy, ˈlevel
Idioms:
smooth away
smooth down
smooth over
Derived forms
smoother (ˈsmoother)
noun
smoothly (ˈsmoothly)
adverb
smoothness (ˈsmoothness)
noun
Word origin
ME smothe < OE smoth, for earlier smethe < Gmc *smanthi < IE *som-, together < base *sem-, together, same
More idioms containing
smooth
smooth ruffled feathers
take the rough with the smooth
smooth the way
Examples of 'smooth' in a sentence
smooth
There were some very smooth back moves.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The lower limit is the point at which the surface appears smooth.
Freeman, Michael Collins Complete Guide to Photography (1993)
Neither has found these arrangements smooth or comfortable.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This will keep hair smooth and sleek.
The Sun (2010)
Your skin looked smooth with a healthy sheen.
The Sun (2013)
You take the rough with the smooth.
The Sun (2008)
Use a blender wand to purée till smooth and thick.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Whisk the eggs with the cream until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The serum is very smooth and silky to apply and my skin feels very soft to touch.
The Sun (2009)
Slip the cloves from their skins and mash with a little milk to make a smooth paste.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Carefully lift the jelly mould straight upwards to ensure smooth sides.
The Sun (2015)
Smooth it flat with a palette knife and cover the top with the remaining cucumber.
The Sun (2015)
Use a spatula to smooth all the mixture from around the sides of the bowl.
The Sun (2013)
Pour the mixture into the lined tin and smooth with a palette knife.
The Sun (2014)
Whisk the flour and honey with sufficient milk to make a smooth paste.
Guyton, Anita The Natural Beauty Book - cruelty-free cosmetics to make at home (1991)
The ride is smooth and the massage seats are welcome after a rally stage.
The Sun (2011)
It was the difference between a smooth transition to independence and a disastrous one.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Your pores should appear minimised and your face will feel smooth.
The Sun (2016)
Put all and blitz until a smooth consistency.
The Sun (2015)
The act of convincing yourself becomes such a smooth process that it becomes completely believable to others.
Mansfield, Patricia Why Am I Afraid to be Assertive? (1994)
The skin was made softer and smoother but no weight loss was noticeable.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Then smooth it back into a mini ponytail.
The Sun (2015)
Spoon on top of syrup and smooth surface.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Smooth away the rough edges too much and we could lose the player who has many more victories ahead of him.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Well, it was quiet, extremely smooth riding and quite fast.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
smooth
British English: smooth /smuːð/ ADJECTIVE
A smooth surface has no roughness or holes.
Use a sheet of glass, plastic, or any smooth surface.
American English: smooth
Arabic: نَاعِم
Brazilian Portuguese: liso
Chinese: 光滑的
Croatian: gladak
Czech: hladký
Danish: glat jævn
Dutch: glad
European Spanish: liso
Finnish: tasainen
French: lisse
German: glatt
Greek: λείος
Italian: liscio
Japanese: 滑らかな
Korean: 매끄러운
Norwegian: smidig
Polish: gładki
European Portuguese: liso
Romanian: neted
Russian: гладкий
Latin American Spanish: liso
Swedish: slät
Thai: เรียบ
Turkish: pürüzsüz
Ukrainian: гладкий
Vietnamese: nhẵn
British English: smooth VERB
If you smooth something, you move your hands over its surface to make it smooth and flat.
She stood up and smoothed down her frock.
American English: smooth
Brazilian Portuguese: alisar
Chinese: 弄平用手
European Spanish: alisar
French: lisser
German: glätten
Italian: lisciare
Japanese: しわを延ばす
Korean: 손으로 쓸어 매끈하게 하다
European Portuguese: alisar
Latin American Spanish: alisar
All related terms of 'smooth'
smooth away
to remove ( difficulties , obstacles , etc.)
smooth down
to make or become smooth , or even , level, calm , etc.
smooth out
If you smooth out a problem or difficulty , you solve it, especially by talking to the people concerned .
smooth over
If you smooth over a problem or difficulty , you make it less serious and easier to deal with, especially by talking to the people concerned.
smooth-talk
to persuade , using a slick , practised, or competent manner that hints of insincerity, glibness, and cynical manipulation
satin-smooth
pleasantly soft and smooth, like satin
smooth-faced
with a manner that hints of insincerity, glibness and cynical manipulation
smooth hound
any of several small sharks of the genus Mustelus, esp M. mustelus, a species of North Atlantic coastal regions: family Triakidae
smooth muscle
muscle that is capable of slow rhythmic involuntary contractions : occurs in the walls of the blood vessels, alimentary canal , etc
smooth-shaven
(of a man) with facial hair shaved off
smooth snake
any of several slender nonvenomous colubrid snakes of the European genus Coronella, esp C. austriaca, having very smooth scales and a reddish-brown coloration
smooth-spoken
speaking or spoken in a gently persuasive or competent manner
smooth-talker
a person who gets another person to do their bidding by using a slick , gently persuasive , practised, or competent manner
American Smooth
a style of competitive ballroom dancing which incorporates elements of Latin dance
smooth dogfish
a requiem shark ( Mustelus canis ) without spines in front of the dorsal fin , common in the Atlantic
smooth-running
operating in a flowing and effective manner, without difficulties or obstructions
smooth sailing
You use smooth to describe something that is going well and is free of problems or trouble .
smooth-talking
A smooth-talking person talks very confidently in a way that is likely to persuade people, but may not be sincere or honest .
smooth-tongued
suave or persuasive in speech
smooth breathing
(in Greek ) the sign (᾿) placed over an initial vowel , indicating that (in ancient Greek) it was not pronounced with an h
smooth the way
to make it easier for something to happen or more likely for something to happen
smooth transition
Transition is the process in which something changes from one state to another.
dead-smooth file
the smoothest grade of file commonly used
smooth fox terrier
smooth ruffled feathers
to make people who are angry or offended by what someone has said feel calmer and happier
smooth the path/way
If you smooth the path or smooth the way towards something, you make it easier or more likely to happen .
spiritus lenis
(in Greek ) the sign (᾿) placed over an initial vowel , indicating that (in ancient Greek) it was not pronounced with an h
take the rough with the smooth
If you say that someone has to take the rough with the smooth , you mean that they have to accept the unpleasant or difficult things that happen as well as the pleasant things.
Chinese translation of 'smooth'
smooth
(smuːð)
adj
(= not rough)[surface, skin]光滑的 (guānghuá de)
(= not lumpy)[sauce, mixture]无(無)颗(顆)粒的 (wú kēlì de)
(= not harsh)[flavour, whisky]醇和的 (chúnhé de)
(= not jerky)[movement]流畅(暢)的 (liúchàng de)
(= not bumpy)[landing, take-off, flight]平稳(穩)的 (píngwěn de)