American English

How to pronounce smoother

adjectiveB1Common word
SMOOther

/ˈsmu.ðɚ/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

Form of smooth

More even and free of rough parts than something else.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

comparative adjective

More even and free of rough parts than something else.

This sandpaper makes the wood smoother.

The new countertop is smoother than the old one.

Good to know

For a surface, smoother usually means more even and less rough.

comparative adjective

Having a softer, more even texture, with fewer hard pieces or lumps than something else.

Blend the sauce longer to make it smoother.

This peanut butter is smoother than the chunky kind.

comparative adjective

Happening more easily, with fewer problems or delays than something else.

The new software made the hiring process smoother.

After a week of practice, the team’s work became smoother.

Good to know

For events and processes, smoother usually means easier or more trouble-free, not softer.

comparative adjective

More steady and pleasant, with fewer sudden changes, bumps, or stops than something else.

The train ride is smoother on this new track.

Her singing sounds smoother after years of practice.

Useful expressions

smooth sailing

A situation with no serious problems.

After the first week, it was smooth sailing.

smooth things over

To make an argument or problem less serious and restore calm.

He bought dinner to smooth things over.

smooth the way

To make something easier to do or achieve.

The training smoothed the way for the new system.

Related words & forms