smooth over
verb
1 smooth over
Treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly.
synonyms: gloss over, skate over, skimp over, slur over.
Roget 174:
be moderate
etc.
adj.;
keep within bounds,
keep within compass;
sober down,
settle down;
keep the peace,
remit,
relent,
take in sail.
moderate,
soften,
mitigate,
temper,
accoy†;
attemper†,
contemper†;
mollify,
lenify†,
dulcify†,
dull,
take off the edge,
blunt,
obtund†,
sheathe,
subdue,
chasten;
sober down,
tone down,
smooth down;
weaken
etc.
160;
lessen
etc.
(decrease)
36;
check palliate.
tranquilize,
pacify,
assuage,
appease,
swag,
lull,
soothe,
compose,
still,
calm,
calm down,
cool,
quiet,
hush,
quell,
sober,
pacify,
tame,
damp,
lay,
allay,
rebate,
slacken,
smooth,
alleviate,
rock to sleep,
deaden,
smooth,
throw cold water on,
throw a wet blanket over,
turn off;
slake;
curb
etc.
(restrain)
751;
tame
etc.
(subjugate)
749;
smooth over;
pour oil on the waves,
pour oil on the troubled waters;
pour balm into,
mattre de l'eau dans son vin [Fr.].
go out like a lamb,
roar you as gently as any sucking dove"
[Midsummer-Night's Dream].
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