English Reference

Word

smooth

US/ˈsmuð/

UK/smˈuːð/

Definitions

01surface texture

B1 · Intermediate

adj. having a surface that is perfectly even and not rough.

adj. having an even and regular surface or consistency; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations.

“The marble floor was so smooth that the children could slide across it in their socks.”

“The craftsman sanded the wood until the surface was perfectly smooth, ensuring that the finish would adhere evenly without any visible grain.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02without problems

B1 · Intermediate

adj. happening without any difficulties, delays, or sudden changes.

adj. characterised by an absence of difficulties, obstacles, or interruptions; proceeding at an even pace.

“The transition to the new office was very smooth and everyone was working by noon.”

“Despite initial concerns regarding the merger, the integration of the two departments was remarkably smooth, largely due to meticulous advance planning.”

Synonyms

easyseamlesstrouble-free

Antonyms

03charming/suave

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. polite and confident in a way that is very attractive, though sometimes it feels a bit fake.

adj. possessing a confident, polite, and charming manner; often carries a secondary nuance of being suspiciously glib or superficial.

“He is a smooth talker who can convince anyone to agree with his ideas.”

“The salesman’s smooth delivery and polished appearance initially impressed the clients, though they later questioned the substance of his promises.”

Antonyms

04liquid or taste

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

adj. having a pleasant taste or texture that is not sharp, bitter, or lumpy.

adj. having a pleasantly rounded flavour or a consistent, non-grainy texture; lacking astringency or harshness.

“This soup is very smooth and creamy because I used a blender.”

“The wine was noted for its smooth finish, lacking the sharp acidity often found in younger vintages from that region.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

05mathematical functions

C2 · Proficiency Mathematics Technical

adj. describing a line or curve that changes gently without any sharp corners.

adj. referring to a function that has continuous derivatives of all orders; colloquially, a curve without cusps or breaks.

“The graph shows a smooth curve representing the steady growth of the company.”

“For the purposes of this model, we assume a smooth transition between the two states to simplify the differential equations.”

Synonyms

continuousdifferentiable

Antonyms

06to make even

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to move your hand or a tool over something to make it flat or tidy.

v. to make a surface even or regular; to remove wrinkles, bubbles, or irregularities through pressure or friction.

“She tried to smooth the wrinkles in her dress before the interview started.”

“The wallpaper installer used a plastic tool to smooth out the air bubbles, ensuring the pattern aligned perfectly across the seam.”

Usage

Often used with the particle 'out'.

Antonyms

roughenwrinkle

07to ease a situation

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to make a situation easier or to reduce problems between people.

v. to facilitate a process or to alleviate tension in a social or professional situation.

“The manager had to smooth things over after the two employees had a loud argument.”

“The diplomat worked tirelessly to smooth the way for the upcoming peace negotiations, addressing minor grievances before the main summit began.”

Usage

Commonly appears in the phrase 'smooth the way' or 'smooth things over'.

Synonyms

easefacilitatepalliate

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “smooth” in context.

Verb

01. ensure smooth

“We need to ensure smooth operation of the machinery.”

verb + adj

02. keep smooth

“Apply this cream to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.”

verb + adj

03. smooth over

“He tried to smooth over the disagreement between his two friends.”

adj + prep

Adjective

04. perfectly smooth

“The marble surface was perfectly smooth to the touch.”

adv + adj

05. remarkably smooth

“The transition to the new software was remarkably smooth.”

adv + adj

Noun

06. smooth running

“The manager is responsible for the smooth running of the office.”

adj + noun

07. smooth surface

“The ice provides a smooth surface for skating.”

adj + noun

08. smooth talker

“Don't trust him too much; he is known for being a smooth talker.”

adj + noun

09. smooth transition

“The company managed a smooth transition to the new leadership.”

adj + noun

10. a smooth path to

“His family connections ensured a smooth path to success.”

11. make a smooth recovery

“The patient is expected to make a smooth recovery after surgery.”

12. run as smooth as

“The event ran as smooth as silk thanks to the organizers.”

Etymology

From Middle English smothe, smethe, from Old English smēþe, smōþ, both from Proto-West Germanic *smanþī, of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots smuith (“smooth”), Saterland Frisian smoud (“smooth”), Low German smood and smödig (“smooth, malleable, ductile”), Dutch smeuïg (“smooth”) (from earlier smeudig).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

smooth(B1)

Idioms

Domains

LinguisticsMathematicsMedicineStatistics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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