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

Expect polished wood furniture, patterned carpets, neutral fabrics, and marble bathrooms. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026

This button-down shirt is well-suited for officewear thanks to its pinstripe design — a polished take on the trend that works with everything from slacks to midi skirts. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026

The focus here is skin-tone accuracy, soft highlights, and polished minimalism. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 12 May 2026

This is why so many technically competent brands are losing ground to creators who seem less polished but more present. —Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 12 May 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