Definitions

suave

[swahv] / swɑv /

ADJECTIVE

charming, smooth

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable courteous courtly genial ingratiating polite soft-spoken sophisticated urbane worldly

WEAK

agreeable bland civilized cordial cultivated cultured diplomatic distingué fulsome glib gracious obliging oily pleasant pleasing polished politic refined smooth-tongued sociable soft unctuous well-bred

Antonyms

STRONGEST

impolite rude uncivil uncivilized unfriendly unmannerly unrefined unsophisticated

WEAK

awkward clumsy unpolished

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.

We note how the small scale, finely drawn swirls of her sleeve are challenged by the suave oval of her face and the emphatic line of her shoulder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

"I just love the quicksilver delivery and suave flamboyance of Coward, it's delightful to play."

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Eager to make himself something more than an awkward kid with sweaty palms and a bowl haircut who couldn’t read, Newsom mimicked Remington Steele, the suave character on the popular 1980s detective show.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

There is something especially suave about an ace skier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

As young men will, I did my best to appear suave and sophisticated.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing suave

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