polished

adjective

pol·​ished ˈpä-lisht 

1

: subjected to polishing : made smooth and glossy by or as if by polishing

a polished surface

polished silver

2

: characterized by a high degree of development, finish, or refinement : free from imperfections

a polished performance/performer

a highly polished piece of writing

3

somewhat old-fashioned : characterized by elegance and refinement

a polished gentleman

polished society

Synonyms of polished

• sleek
• glossy
• glistening
• satin

Examples of polished in a Sentence

she could see her face reflected in the polished hood of the car

showing the polished manners of a cosmopolitan woman

Recent Examples on the Web

Images from Indonesia's Presidential Secretariat show several polished stone ax heads and ceremonial objects traditionally associated with Papuan societies. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

The stretchy pull-on style features a faux zip fly and faux front pockets for a polished, denim-like look while feeling as comfortable as your favorite leggings. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Its soft body and polished finish create an effortlessly luxurious look that feels equal parts timeless and modern. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 23 July 2026

Her arrangements aim for modern classicism, placing familiar instruments—guitars, mandolins, Wurlitzer pianos—in polished productions that forgo twists or anthemic buildups. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English polisshed, from past participle of polisshen to polish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for polished

• abolished
• demolished
• unpolished