Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lancelot had been smoothing the panache of feathers which was used as a distinguishing mark on the helm in Uncle Dap’s hands.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Thomas had been smoothing the tiny rough spots from the worn, ancient carvings and reshaping the infinitesimally small edges and curves.

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry

He had been smoothing his coat sleeve after a peculiar habit he had, as though he imagined he had discovered some dust there.

From The Boy Scouts in the Blue Ridge Marooned Among the Moonshiners by Carter, Herbert

He turned up his eyes to her to smile his thanks, and then laid his cheek against the hand that had been smoothing his hair.

From Yussuf the Guide The Mountain Bandits; Strange Adventure in Asia Minor by Schonberg, John

Laddie, who had been smoothing the sand in one corner of the pirate bungalow, now stopped and seemed to be thinking hard.

From Six Little Bunkers at Cousin Tom's by Hope, Laura Lee