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

Then there are the few that can transport to a different space entirely, evoking everything from polished hotel lobbies to lush rainforests, hidden gardens, and even smoky campfires. —Alexandra Ditch, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2025

Her polished prose is reason enough to read this novel, which was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. —The Know, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

While grabbing dinner with boyfriend Jim Curtis in Los Angeles, the Friends actress wore a pair of straight-leg, cuffed jeans, completing the look with a crewneck sweater, wool trench coat, and polished sneakers. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025

Patagonia Radalie Jacket The Patagonia Radalie Jacket is a polished, travel-friendly layer that’s fitted, never bulky. —Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025

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