smooth
15 synonyms and 5 antonyms for smooth, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Having an even surface, free of bumps or roughness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use smooth
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English smēþe, "smooth," of unknown deeper origin.
Full origin of smooth →Frequently asked questions
What does “smooth” mean?
The word “smooth” means having an even surface, free of bumps or roughness. In plain terms, even and free of roughness, or (figuratively) trouble-free, or charmingly persuasive.
How do you pronounce “smooth”?
“Smooth” is pronounced smooth (/smuːð/ in IPA).
How do you use “smooth” in a sentence?
Here is “smooth” used in a sentence: “The table had a smooth, polished finish.”
What is another word for “smooth”?
Words with a similar meaning to “smooth” include downy, flat, frictionless, lanate, level and silken.
What is the opposite of “smooth”?
The opposite of “smooth” — its antonyms — are rough, uneven, bumpy, coarse and textured.
What part of speech is “smooth”?
Depending on how it is used, “smooth” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “smooth” come from?
The word “smooth” comes from Old English. From Old English smēþe, "smooth," of unknown deeper origin.
Is “smooth” a common word?
“Smooth” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the opposite of smooth?
The main opposite is rough, describing a surface that is uneven, bumpy, or coarse to the touch. Depending on context, other opposites include jagged, textured, or bumpy for surfaces, and, when "smooth" means trouble-free, words like turbulent, bumpy, or difficult serve as antonyms.
Does "smooth" only describe surfaces?
No. Beyond an even, bump-free surface, "smooth" describes motion without jolts, as in a smooth ride; a process free of problems, as in a smooth transition; a mellow taste, as in a smooth coffee; and manner or charm, as in a smooth talker. The core idea is absence of roughness.
What is an example of something smooth?
A polished sheet of glass or a still, calm lake surface are classic examples, offering no bumps or texture. Silk fabric, a river-worn pebble, and freshly sanded wood are others. Each shares the defining trait: an even surface free of roughness that feels uniform to the touch.