Synonyms of glossy

glossy

adjective

ˈglä-sē 

as in polished

having a shiny surface or finish

the glossy finish on the gym floor

a sports car with an interior upholstered with glossy leather

Synonyms & Similar Words

• polished
• sleek
• glistening
• satin
• gleaming
• burnished
• lustrous
• rubbed
• satiny
• silky
• buffed
• glittering
• reflective
• brushed
• glazed
• shining
• slick
• lacquered
• varnished
• glassy
• semigloss
• silken
• slippery
• semilustrous
• eggshell
• shellacked

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flat
• dull
• dim
• mat
• matte
• lusterless
• lackluster
• matt
• unvarnished

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective glossy differ from other similar words?

The words sleek and slick are common synonyms of glossy. While all three words mean "having a smooth bright surface or appearance," glossy suggests a highly reflective surface.

photographs having a glossy finish

When could sleek be used to replace glossy?

The synonyms sleek and glossy are sometimes interchangeable, but sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning.

a sleek racehorse

When can slick be used instead of glossy?

The words slick and glossy can be used in similar contexts, but slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface.

slipped and fell on the slick floor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of glossy

Plus, many have piping along the borders and a glossy sateen finish for added opulence. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025

Islam was fatally shot by an armed 27-year-old man in the lobby of a glossy skyscraper at 345 Park Avenue on Monday. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 31 July 2025

The glossy evergreen foliage and raspberry pink blooms of pigsqueak provide yearlong color in shady borders. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 July 2025

This human touch can’t be learned from a glossy PDF; instead, it must be cultivated with intention. —Julien Fortuit, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025