SMOOTHING Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

smoothing 1 of 2

adjective

as in facilitating

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Dissimilar Words

smoothing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of smooth

as in accelerating

to free from obstruction or difficulty a willingness to compromise will smooth the way to an early agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flattening

to make free from breaks, curves, or bumps the workers smoothed the surface of the concrete before letting it dry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in polishing

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure used fine sandpaper to smooth the face of the wood

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of smoothing

Verb

At-home chemical peels can help maintain certain results by exfoliating dead skin cells, smoothing texture, and gradually fading lingering discoloration. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026 Oils are best thought of as a strand treatment, smoothing the cuticle, cutting frizz and reducing breakage during brushing and styling. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 Some mornings call for brightening dark circles, while others require extra depuffing or help smoothing pesky fine lines. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026 Wireless, shaping and smoothing bra styles and underwear packs are also available. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 The brand has also become a go-to for figure-flattering wardrobe staples that combine timeless designs and smoothing, comfortable fabrics that work with you rather than against you. — Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026 There are some great deals on leave-in conditioner and hair masks, too, like this smoothing formula from L’Oréal Paris, plus strand-thickening formulas that can help add density and control shedding in thinning areas. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026 When styling this haircut, use a smoothing serum or oil, which will come in handy after the hair is dry. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026 Designed specifically for the neck and décolletage, thai smoothing cream uses retinol to reverse signs of aging. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing

Verb

Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, meanwhile, did the heavy lifting for Sacramento, with the shooting guard scoring 28 points and the center facilitating the offense with 14 points, eight assists and 18 rebounds.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
American strategy toward Europe and East Asia has been a steady and cost-effective success, facilitating great-power peace since 1945.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of facilitating

Verb

But ice, in addition to flattening the soda, will invite you to take longer, let it get diluted, and deflate the texture.

— Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Lighting director Frédéric Dorieux has said that the team aims for light that is soft, even, and full without flattening the face.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of flattening

Verb

Almost all of them seemed empty, like houses closed for the season, but a handful had signs of life—crewmen at the railings, polishing the brightwork, as if getting ready to leave.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
There may have been a time when hosting a holiday dinner meant pulling out every platter, polishing the silver, and making sure there were enough wine glasses for a small army.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

Men in some communities stop shaving, while women may remove their jewelry.

— Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Like almost winning a race, almost shaving a second off my time for the 3200m run, my event in high school, the one that got me into college, a recruit for someone else to gamble on.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

Oh, and a pad from an HTC Vive, because nobody wants the sharp edges of layered plastic extruded from a 3D printer rubbing against their face.

— Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Some of the more envelope-pushing moments, including an extended scene of nuns ripping off their habits and rubbing themselves on a life-sized crucifix, were in the script.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

The younger Bolsonaro's other proposals include trimming the size of the Brazilian state to boost economic growth.

— Carrie Kahn, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
But new technologies are opening the door to transition a portion of the inputs from petrochemicals to plants, trimming the environmental impact of these fibers.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of trimming

Verb

Hartford has a leaf disposal system that includes raking to the curb and brown bag pick ups, as well as leaf bag drop off with a city permit.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Instead of raking or blowing leaves, invest in a mulching mower and let the leaf fragments stay in place to break down over time and benefit the lawn.

— Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2026