suave

adjective

ˈswäv How to pronounce suave (audio)
Definition of suavenext
as in sophisticated
having or showing very polished and worldly manners the suave gentleman was a great favorite of the elegant ladies who attended parties at the embassy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word suave different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of suave are bland, diplomatic, politic, smooth, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use bland instead of suave?

The words bland and suave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When would diplomatic be a good substitute for suave?

Although the words diplomatic and suave have much in common, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might politic be a better fit than suave?

The meanings of politic and suave largely overlap; however, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

In what contexts can smooth take the place of suave?

In some situations, the words smooth and suave are roughly equivalent. However, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can urbane be used instead of suave?

The synonyms urbane and suave are sometimes interchangeable, but urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 suave Stuart’s prince is suave, worldly, world-weary, charismatic — every inch a prince, really. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 7 Apr. 2025 Well integrated suave tannins and red fruit and flavors that include blueberries in this light and fine juice. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 Art Deco has never really gone out of style: Even after a century, the zigzag meanders, suave ladies and elegant lines associated with it still define sophistication. —Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025 Patrick Schwarzenegger Patrick Schwarzenegger is suave in a navy pinstripe suit by Balmain accented with red and yellow touches. —Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave
  1. sophisticated
  2. graceful
  3. smooth
  4. civilized
  5. urbane
  6. gracious
  7. polished
Adjective
  • With its sky-high housing and living costs and its large and sophisticated workforce and population, the minimum wage that Albany dictates for the state will always be far too low to guarantee city workers a decent living.
    — Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025
  • Contemporary neutral hues in the fabrics and wood veneer are contrasted with deep olive-juniper accents, dark Emperador marble, and antiqued metalwork, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere.
    — Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
Definition of sophisticated
Adjective
  • The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.
    — Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • This graceful spurge can be planted in mixed containers or grown as a ground cover in full sun or light shade.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • The second day of the Roots Picnic was indeed much smoother.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025
  • On the palate, a warm, smooth texture that balances beautifully with its off-dry character.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of smooth
Adjective
  • Exile away from the rest of the civilized federation.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • Two highly modern, eminently civilized nations were plunged into chaos.
    — Kelly McKinney, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
Definition of civilized
Adjective
  • The thriller follows two urbane brothers who witness a baby being kidnapped from an impoverished mother at a railway station in rural India.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 May 2025
  • An urbane middle-aged couple was summoned to the bar for prime seats just as the man was pulling up a BBC video about barnacle geese, a species that nests on high cliffs and whose flightless newborns fling themselves hundreds of feet to reunite with their grazing parents.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Definition of urbane
Adjective
  • Its three-stateroom design lets owners and guests can enjoy weekend cruising, while the exterior promotes gracious outdoor living in the large beach-club area, or up on the sport bridge.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
  • Ohio State fans were actually gracious in honoring him before the game.
    — David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • Understated enough for the office but refined enough for a Parisian sidewalk café, the polished leather and cushioned sole deliver comfort and sophistication in equal parts.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2025
  • The final cut of this documentary feels perfectly polished, but according to those who made the film, the process was a little messy.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of polished

Browse Nearby Words

suasiveness
suave
suaveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suave. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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