The Open Dictionary

smooth

verb

UK/smuːð/
US/smuːð/

Definitions of smooth verb

surface

  1. TransitiveIntransitive

    To make something flat or even by moving your hands over it.

    • He nervously adjusted his tie and smoothed his hair.

    • She gently smoothed the wrinkles out of the tablecloth.

    • The gardener smoothed the surface of the soil with a spade.

process

  1. Transitive

    To make a process or situation easier and without problems.

    • The government is trying to smooth the way for new businesses through legislation.

    • The talks are aimed at smoothing out trade differences between the two nations.

    • We need a better system to smooth the collaboration between departments.

apply

  1. TransitiveVerb + adv/prep

    To apply a liquid or soft substance to a surface with gentle rubbing movements.

    • She smoothed lotion onto her face.

    • He carefully smoothed the plaster onto the wall.

    • She smoothed the sunscreen evenly over her skin.

adjective

UK/smuːð/
US/smuːð/

Definitions of smooth adjective

texture

  1. B1

    Having a surface that is even and without any bumps, lumps, or roughness.

    • This is a smooth wooden table.

    • The silk has a very smooth texture.

    • She likes the feeling of smooth skin.

flow

  1. C2

    Happening or operating without problems or difficulties.

    • The meeting went very smoothly.

    • The project requires a smooth start.

    • He hoped for a smooth completion of the deal.

taste

  1. Having a flavor that is rich and pleasant, not bitter or sharp.

    • This red wine has a smooth and mellow taste.

    • This whisky has a smooth finish.

    • She enjoys a smooth coffee.

manner

  1. Acting in a very polite and confident way, often to persuade people, but not always sincerely.

    • He's too smooth for me to trust.

    • She used her smooth talking skills to convince them.

    • The salesman was too smooth, I didn't buy his product.

Idioms

Phrasal Verbs of smooth

  • smooth something over

    to alleviate or resolve issues, challenges, or disputes, typically by engaging in discussions with those involved

    • During the meeting, he tried to smooth over the tension between colleagues to facilitate better collaboration.

  • smooth something away

    to eliminate obstacles or difficulties from a situation

    • During the meeting, the manager tried to smooth away all the obstacles to facilitate decision-making.

  • smooth something out

    to lessen or alleviate the challenges or fluctuations in a process or circumstance

    • Our team is working hard to smooth out the conflicts in the new project.