smooth over

USAGE SUMMARY

"smooth over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to make something appearing more agreeable or to make a disagreement or dispute less serious. For example: "The couple smoothed over their argument and made up at the end of the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Audio translators are available to smooth over any language barriers.

The New York Times

Senior White House officials tried to smooth over the cracks.

The Guardian - Business

Other American officials sought to smooth over the dispute.

The New York Times

So every effort is made to smooth over any tension.

The Guardian

Jacob Lateiner's reading rather tended to smooth over these differences.

The New York Times - Arts

His way is to smooth over differences, not sharpen them.

The Economist

In public, both sides tried to smooth over their differences.

The New York Times

Hindsight tends to smooth over the messy bits of history.

The Economist

4 Pour half of the mixture into the tin, and smooth over with a palette knife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But both sides seem eager to smooth over the rough edges.

The New York Times

Mr. Henriquez said design details were intended to help smooth over class differences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smooth over" to describe resolving a conflict, be specific about what actions were taken to alleviate the tension or disagreement. Vague descriptions can diminish the impact.

Common error

Avoid relying on "smooth over" as a catch-all phrase for conflict resolution. While appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound predictable. Vary your vocabulary by using more descriptive alternatives like "mediate", "reconcile", or "placate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smooth over" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically functions as the predicate in a sentence, describing an action taken to mitigate conflict or improve a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth over" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to make a situation more agreeable, often by mitigating conflict or reconciling differences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider more precise or formal alternatives like "mediate" or "reconcile" in certain settings. Avoid overusing "smooth over" as a catch-all phrase to maintain writing quality and reader engagement. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gloss over

Implies a superficial treatment of a problem, often to conceal its true nature.

paper over

Suggests a temporary or inadequate solution to a problem.

soften the blow

Focuses on reducing the negative impact of something.

patch things up

Refers to repairing a damaged relationship or situation.

mend fences

Specifically addresses restoring goodwill between parties.

defuse the situation

Highlights the act of preventing a conflict from escalating.

ease tensions

Aims to reduce strain or conflict between parties.

calm the waters

Emphasizes restoring peace and tranquility.

pour oil on troubled waters

Figuratively appease a tense situation.

ameliorate the situation

Focuses on improving the overall condition, making it more tolerable.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth over" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth over" to describe the act of making a situation more agreeable or to mitigate a disagreement. For example, "The diplomat tried to smooth over the tensions between the two countries."

What are some alternatives to "smooth over"?

Alternatives to "smooth over" include "gloss over", "patch things up", and "ease tensions", depending on the specific context.

Is "smooth over" formal or informal?

"Smooth over" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more precise alternatives like "mediate" or "reconcile".

What's the difference between "smooth over" and "ignore"?

"Smooth over" implies addressing a problem in a way that reduces its negative impact, while "ignore" means to disregard the problem entirely. Smoothing over involves some action, while ignoring involves inaction.