smooth
5 ENTRIES FOUND:
smoother;
smoothest
smoother;
smoothest
Britannica Dictionary definition of SMOOTH
1
a
:
having a flat, even surface
:
not rough
:
not having any bumps, ridges, or uneven parts
-
smooth skin
-
They groomed the ski trail so it was smooth.
-
The river rocks had been worn smooth by the water.
-
The surface is (as) smooth as silk. [=very smooth]
b
of a liquid mixture
:
not having any lumps
:
mixed together so there are no lumps
-
Whisk the flour into the gravy until it is smooth.
-
The milkshake was smooth and creamy.
2
:
happening or done without any problems
-
With the aid of observers, the election process was a smooth one.
-
Our trip was smooth and uneventful.
3
a
:
even and regular without sudden movements
-
the smooth movements of a swimmer
-
She has a nice, smooth golf swing.
b
:
not having or causing sudden, violent movements
—
opposite rough
-
His new car has a smooth ride.
-
Our flight was very smooth.
4
informal
:
relaxed, confident, and pleasant in a way that may be intended to deceive people
—
see also smoothie
-
I don't trust him—he's just too smooth.
-
He has a smooth manner.
-
He's a real smooth talker. [=he says flattering things]
-
She's a smooth operator. [=a person who is smooth]
5
a
:
not sharp, bitter, or unpleasant in taste or smell
-
The wine was full and smooth.
-
a smooth cup of coffee
b
:
pleasant to hear or listen to
-
He has a rich, smooth voice.
— smoothness
noun [noncount]
2
smooth
/ˈsmuːð/
verb
smoothes;
smoothed;
smoothing
2
smooth
/ˈsmuːð/
verb
smoothes;
smoothed;
smoothing
Britannica Dictionary definition of SMOOTH
[+ object]
1
:
to make (something) smooth
— often + back or down
—
see also smooth out (below)
-
He smoothed his tie and headed out the door.
-
The coin's date had been smoothed away over time.
-
She smoothed back her hair.
-
Smooth the surface down with sandpaper.
2
:
to remove problems or difficulties from a situation
-
They smoothed the way for a quick end to the dispute. [=they made it easier to achieve a quick end to the dispute]
-
She has helped smooth a path [=has helped make it easier] for more women to run for office.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition
:
to spread (something) over a surface (such as your skin)
:
to apply (something) by rubbing it on a surface
-
Smooth the cream on after your shower.
-
Smooth the wax over the wood before polishing.
-
She smoothed on some moisturizer before she put on her makeup.
-
He smoothed ointment over the cut.
smooth away
[phrasal verb]
smooth (something) away
or
smooth away (something)
:
to make (problems, difficulties, etc.) less serious
:
to remove (problems, difficulties, etc.)
-
We'll help smooth away any legal trouble.
smooth out
[phrasal verb]
1
smooth (something) out
or
smooth out (something)
:
to make (something) smooth or flat
-
Help me smooth out the tablecloth.
-
The ground was rocky, so we smoothed out the path with cedar chips.
2
:
to make (something) easier by removing or dealing with problems
-
We will smooth out the election process by next year.
-
She tried to smooth things out [=end an argument or disagreement] with her daughter-in-law, but the damage was done.
smooth over
[phrasal verb]
smooth (something) over
or
smooth over (something)
:
to make (a disagreement, problem, difficulty, etc.) seem less serious than it really is
-
Don't worry about missing the application deadline—we'll smooth that over with the office.
-
She smoothed over the objections to his candidacy.
