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.

Two men are entranced by her, a suave doctor played by David Niven and Richard Conte’s impulsive race-car driver.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Andres was the suave glue of the evening.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

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

Another, a woman, gloated, “This really suave old lady is teaching me how to make tortillas.”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Vocabulary lists containing suave

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

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The Odyssey

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The Catcher in the Rye

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!