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

These brands offer easy, everyday styles in breathable materials like linen that are perfect for staying cool while still looking polished. —Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

The striped design gives it a polished, resort-ready feel that stands out from basic canvas totes, while the roomy interior handles bulkier items with ease. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

The floors are made of polished concrete (which also extends up the wall in the kitchen, and was used for the backsplash, too). —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026

Don’t go for super rustic versions—discreet wedges, neutral colors, and polished finishes are the vibe here. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 9 Mar. 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