sleek

²sleek

adj

Definition of SLEEK

1

a : smooth and glossy as if polished <sleek dark hair> b : having a smooth well-groomed look <sleek cattle> c : healthy-looking

2

: smooth in speech or manner; also : unctuous

3

a : having a prosperous air <sleek luxury condominiums> b : having trim graceful lines <a sleek car> c : elegant, stylish <a sleek wardrobe>

— sleek·ly adverb

— sleek·ness noun

Examples of SLEEK

1. the sleek lines of a sports car
2. <a striking beauty with sleek raven hair>

Origin of SLEEK

alteration of ²slick

First Known Use: 1578

Related to SLEEK

Synonyms: buffed, burnished, glistening, lustrous, polished, rubbed, satin, satiny, glossy

Antonyms: dim, dull, flat, lusterless, matte (also mat or matt)

Related Words: brushed, eggshell, semigloss, semilustrous; silken, silky, slick, slippery; glassy, glazed, lacquered, shellacked, varnished; gleaming, glittering, reflective, shining

Near Antonyms: lackluster; unvarnished

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Synonym Discussion of SLEEK

sleek, slick, glossy mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance. sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning <a sleek racehorse>. slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface <slipped and fell on the slick floor>. glossy suggests a highly reflective surface <photographs having a glossy finish>.