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

Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flat Add a polished touch to travel-friendly joggers, leggings, jeans, or sweats with these leather ballet flats. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

These shoes bring the comfort and versatility of your favorite sneaks, but with a distinctly polished, cool-girl edge. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026

Reebok Court Advance Sneaker A polished sneaker that’s walkable is an integral part of a well-rounded wardrobe. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026

Unlike Bankman-Fried, Yan cut an image that was more polished, professional, and sincere, according to a longtime crypto executive who’s met both founders. —Ben Weiss, Fortune, 12 Jan. 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