Definition of glossynext

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of glossy Cook, stirring and adding pasta cooking liquid as needed, until a thick, glossy sauce forms. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026 Bieber has been committed to her shoulder-length lob and glossy chestnut color since December 2025. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2026 This is far from a glossy resort. Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 19 Mar. 2026 Glowing skin, flushed cheeks, and subtle sculpting were the key trends, like Cara Delevingne's subtle pigments or Chase Infiniti’s glossy nude lip. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glossy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glossy
Adjective
  • Service here is attentive and polished, but not pushy, and servers are happy to walk you through the cocktail menu and provide suggestions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • At 249 pounds, this one, hewn from polished Verde marble, isn’t going anywhere.
    Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • It was well appointed and modern, with a sleek and nicely stocked wet bar, and curtains that swiftly opened or closed at the touch of a button.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The Low Tow prototype also includes a sleek indoor corner kitchen with slim rectangular sink, dual-burner induction cooktop and 12-V compressor fridge.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This time, my eyes slid to the fresh silver polish on her fingernails, her cascading perm thick but without any undergrowth, and those eyes darting from me to the cop, glistening as if on the verge of pouring.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The puppet wore a black judicial robe and had glistening eyes with slit pupils.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.
    Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 18 Jan. 2023
  • From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.
    Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 13 Jan. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Glossy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glossy. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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