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

• buffed
• burnished
• glistening
• glossy
• lustrous
• rubbed
• satin
• satiny
• sleek

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

More of a lotion than a cream in texture, this is ideal for those with finer hair who need moisture without the weight, offering smooth, frizz-free ends that look polished and healthy. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2024

The movement showcases exemplary craftsmanship, highlighted by Glashütte stripes on the three-quarter plate, beveled and polished edges, and polished and blued screws. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

From the beginning, her style was indulgent and inviting rather than polished and showy. —Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024

The front slit adds extra movement, while the luxe crepe fabric feels high-end, per shoppers, and makes any outfit look polished. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024

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