adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/ˈsmuːðli/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:S M UW1 DH L IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adv
Meaning 1
in a smooth manner; smooth
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
talk smoothly
The plans didn't go/run as smoothly as we'd hoped.
The engine runs smoothly on diesel.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: swimmingly
Antonyms: none provided
2
adverb
Meaning 2
with no problems or difficulties
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
put the plans into effect quickly and smoothly
despite of some mishaps, everything went swimmingly
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: swimmingly
Antonyms: none provided
3
adverb
Meaning 3
in a smooth and diplomatic manner
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
`And now,' he said smoothly, `we will continue the conversation'
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From Middle English smoþely; equivalent to smooth + -ly.
Across languages
Translations
25 source translations are retained for this English entry.
