SUAVE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

suave

adjective

ˈswäv

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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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 Pascal plays the suave rich man attempting to woo matchmaker Lucy (Dakota Johnson). —

Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025 The folk vampire is not a suave dinner-jacket-wearing seducer, nor a sparkling, brooding hero. —

Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 Through his recounting, the film comes to life for both of them, with Lopez's Ingrid playing Aurora, Molina as her right-hand man, Kendall Nesbit, and Valentín as suave photographer, Armando. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025 In American Psycho—costume designed by Isis Mussenden—Christian Bale plays businessman Patrick Bateman, who is all suave and sleek in his Cerruti suits by day. —

Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suave

Adjective

Meanwhile, the shoulder pads add structure to the piece, creating a sophisticated look and a balanced shape from top to bottom.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
This merengue caraqueño, defined by its sophisticated 5/8 rhythm, serves as a master class in Venezuelan identity, acting as a cultural anchor that prevents the nation’s heritage from being swallowed by the ongoing crisis.

— Leonor C. Suárez, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026