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Showing results for smooth over. Search instead for smooth video.
Definitions

smooth over

VERB
gloss
Synonyms
STRONGEST
soft pedal
STRONG
belie camouflage deacon disguise doctor explain extenuate falsify gloss over hide justify mask misrepresent palliate rationalize sugarcoat varnish veil veneer white whiten whitewash
WEAK
cover up
Antonyms
STRONG
expose open reveal show strip uncover unmask
WEAK
clear up dull explain misinform
VERB
iron out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arbitrate clear up eradicate expedite get rid of harmonize negotiate resolve settle straighten out unravel
WEAK
agree compromise eliminate erase put right reach agreement settle differences simplify sort out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
question
WEAK
make worse mess up
VERB
pacify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allay ameliorate assuage mitigate mollify placate quell repress soothe tame
STRONG
calm chasten compose con conciliate cool dulcify grease lull moderate propitiate qualify quiet relieve silence soft pedal soften square still stroke subdue sweeten temper tranquilize
WEAK
bury the hatchet butter up fix up kiss and make up lay back make peace pacificate put the lid on take the edge off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate agitate incite intensify irritate provoke upset worry worsen
STRONG
anger arouse excite rouse trouble
VERB
still
Synonyms
STRONG
allay alleviate appease arrest becalm calm choke compose fix gag hush lull muffle muzzle pacify quiet quieten settle shush silence slack smooth soothe squash squelch stall stop subdue tranquilize
WEAK
decrease volume shut down shut up
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aggravate agitate allow anger arouse destroy disarrange distress encourage excite help incite intensify irritate let go provoke release rouse start unsettle upset worry
WEAK
disturb move

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It remains to be seen whether Muse Spark’s launch will smooth over previous controversies.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Supporters say the proposal, which the supervisors are pushing to get on the November ballot, would offer a new tool to smooth over disputes and provide a “reset” after recent tumultuous contract negotiations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

He has sought to smooth over tensions with conservative Catholics that flared under Francis’ reign, threatening the unity of the church.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

"Mango diplomacy" is a familiar phrase across the subcontinent, where carefully chosen crates of the fruit can grease political deals, strengthen alliances or smooth over tense negotiations.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

He used to have an old worn-out blankie he’d smooth over and over whenever he was scared or nervous.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan