1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To reduce the seriousness of a disagreement or awkward situation through diplomatic or tactful action.
"She tried to smooth over the tension between the two colleagues by suggesting a joint lunch."
separable
smooth over
B2 neutral separable transitive
To make a problem, disagreement, or awkward situation seem less serious, often through tactful behaviour.
In plain English
To make an argument or awkward situation feel less bad, usually without completely fixing it.
What does "smooth over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To make something appear less problematic than it really is, concealing or minimising the issue.
"The spokesperson tried to smooth over the scandal with carefully chosen words."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To smooth the surface over a rough patch, covering it.
Actually means
To make an argument or awkward situation feel less bad, usually without completely fixing it.
Usage tip
Very common in diplomatic, political, and social contexts. Often carries a slight implication that the underlying problem has not been fully resolved. Frequently used with words like 'differences', 'tensions', 'quarrel', 'rift'.
Words that pair with "smooth over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
differences tensions quarrel rift awkwardness misunderstanding
How to conjugate "smooth over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
smooth over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
smooths over
he/she/it
Past simple
smoothed over
yesterday
Past participle
smoothed over
have + pp
-ing form
smoothing over
continuous
Hear "smooth over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "smooth over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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