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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.

On Tuesday ahead of his visit, Rubio denied that he was going to Italy to smooth over tensions between Trump and the Vatican.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Though they later held meetings to smooth over their differences, the network is again livid following the reauthorization of German agrochemical giant Bayer's dicamba herbicide for sprayed use on genetically modified soybean and cotton.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 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

Chef Lachlan explains that we put oil in a pan to create a viscous layer and to smooth over the micro serrations and micro scratches in the pan.

From Salon • May 23, 2024

Moss asked, hoping to smooth over his reaction.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

smooth over

Example Sentences

Related Words