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

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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

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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

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 Also hard at work are ectoin and panthenol, which are rockstars for reducing inflammation, smoothing texture, and, similarly to beta-glucan, forming a protective seal over your skin to keep moisture in and external stressors out. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 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 Saltair’s refill pods lean on BHAs and zinc ricinoleate to tackle odor while smoothing skin — a skincare-crossover pitch that reframes deodorant as part of a beauty routine rather than a utilitarian purchase. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026 To no surprise, celebrity MUA Tina Turnbow relied on Armani Beauty to create Russell’s glam, including the brand’s iconic skinlike foundation, silky concealer, and smoothing primer. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026 These include load smoothing, low-voltage ride-through, demand response and grid stabilization. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026 Hydrating hair masks, leave-ins, heat protectants and smoothing oils and serums can make a huge difference, says Richards. — Deanna Pai, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026 Made from two layers of jersey fabric, this top is smoothing with a second-skin feel. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoothing

Verb

Earlier this year, the Farm Bureau called for suspending fertilizer tariffs and facilitating safe passage through Hormuz.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
The announcement prompted accusations of a conflict of interest, and criticism of his central role in facilitating substantial government subsidies for the company while in office.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of facilitating

Verb

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
And there are no placards festooned with Motel 6 and Starbucks logos, flattening the American landscape into a homogeneous blur.

— David Alm, Longreads, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of flattening

Verb

After finally shaving his beard off, Colbert concluded the interview by gifting Kimmel something special from his show.

— Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Colbert had no hesitation about taking the tool to his facial hair, shaving it off and returning to his recognizable clean-shaven look.

— Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

The bigger claim making the rounds, that a few minutes of face rubbing can quiet your body’s stress response, is where dermatologists urge a little caution.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.

— Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

But while the wider economy has come under pressure, with inflation hovering above 4% and the government trimming its economic growth forecasts, Brazil has also been an economic beneficiary of higher oil prices as a net oil exporter.

— Chloe Taylor,Thomas Da Graca Barlow, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
The hair architect responsible for trimming Lawrence’s texture on Tuesday has not yet been revealed.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of trimming

Verb

After you are done raking leaves there is plenty to do with the family around town.

— Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026
Story’s unproductive 10 rehab games with Triple-A Worcester, coupled with the rise of top prospect Franklin Arias, a shortstop raking at Triple A, created an echo chamber of angst about Story returning and underperforming.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026