adjective

smooth

/smuːð/ · say it: SMOOTH

having an even, regular surface

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) having a surface that is flat and even, without bumps or rough areas

2. (adjective) happening without problems or difficulties

3. (adjective) soft and pleasant to touch

4. (verb) to make something flat and even by rubbing or pressing

Examples

1. The marble floor was smooth and polished.
2. The flight was smooth with no turbulence.
3. The silk fabric feels smooth against your skin.

How to use smooth

Smooth is versatile, describing both physical textures (silk feels smooth) and abstract processes (a smooth meeting went without conflict). When describing people or their manner, 'smooth' can carry a slightly positive or negative connotation—a smooth talker might be persuasive or suspiciously slick. It is more commonly used than near-synonyms like 'silky' or 'frictionless' in everyday contexts.

Common phrases

smooth surface
smooth transition
smooth sailing
run smoothly
smooth operator
smooth out difficulties

Synonyms

even · flat · silky · seamless · frictionless

Opposites

rough · bumpy · jagged

Word family

smoothly (adverb) · smoothness (noun) · smoother (comparative adjective) · smoothest (superlative adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes overuse 'smooth' metaphorically without realizing that in informal speech, calling someone a 'smooth operator' can imply cunning or deception rather than straightforward competence.

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