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

Styles is more of a polished prospect who could continue to get better at the next level. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026

In the bathroom and separate toilet room—a common French set-up—all of the floors are polished concrete. —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026

Kurt's key takeaways At first, the message looks polished. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Individual cottages with modern interiors are set up in mini neighborhoods and have fireplaces with polished concrete hearths, heated floors, and floor-to-ceiling glass bifold doors leading to landscaped gardens. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 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