1
as in sleek
having a shiny surface or finish
she could see her face reflected in the polished hood of the car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cultured
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living
showing the polished manners of a cosmopolitan woman
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in smoothed
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
you'll need to polish your shoes with a clean rag before the performance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finished
to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done
once you polish the article a bit, it'll be ready to submit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of polished
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
The bell-bottom silhouette reads slightly more polished than your standard straight leg, making the pants a competitive pick for travel, workouts, or everyday wear.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 Jan. 2026
According to Brown, after stringent authentication processes are followed, jewelry is typically polished before being listed, while handbags are professionally cleaned.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polished
Adjective
The designer says this look is perfect for floors, backsplashes, and shower walls, and pairs well with polished or brushed fixtures.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
The bell-bottom silhouette reads slightly more polished than your standard straight leg, making the pants a competitive pick for travel, workouts, or everyday wear.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
The look was polished from root to tip, with a glossy finish that practically bounced off the camera flashes.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 Jan. 2026
According to Brown, after stringent authentication processes are followed, jewelry is typically polished before being listed, while handbags are professionally cleaned.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polished
Adjective
-
The leather upper looks sleek and classic while the insole has cushioning to provide extra comfort with every step.—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Think sleek and cool layers and quietly assured outerwear via Khaite, Toteme, Susanna Chow, and La Ligne.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With Raffles, Wanders has created a property that oozes a quiet, cultured elegance that mirrors the city’s erudite aspirations.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
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The health secretary, who turned 72 this month and celebrated with a hefty steak, pairs the diet with foods that are fermented, typically meaning they are soaked, salted or cultured to let natural bacteria or yeast break down sugars over time.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In some ways, Bequia remains a secret, and as such, it hasn’t been overly developed, commercialised or smoothed into sameness.—
Rebekah Evans,
TheWeek,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Parish and Glasner smoothed things over somewhat at dinner at London’s Ham Yard restaurant on January 21.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Heading into 2026 the Red Sox look capable of at least matching last year’s club, which finished third in the AL East, made the playoffs and lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Mahomes finished 27th in the NFL in completion percentage on downfield throws.—
Sam McDowell
February 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Berry showcased a black version with a glossy finish, but there are also velvet versions of this Aquazzura sandal; Meghan Markle wore a velvet iteration at the Baby2Baby Gala in November.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
6 Feb. 2026
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Try coupling the seasonal shades with a glossy nude foundation for a refined effect.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In an era when roads were still rough and driving was still novel, electric automobiles seemed civilized.—
Bill Gourgey,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
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There is a much more civilized way to do this that involves working together with state officials opposed to inserting the administration’s will on a state whose citizens have stood up for their neighbors and said this is not right!—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Johnson sighed and rubbed a hand over her head in relief.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
10 Feb. 2026
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Diners here can feast upon things like duck fat frites for brunch and espresso-rubbed steaks for dinner.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Construction on a new house began in 1853 and was completed in 1856.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Clearly, the Wizards have completed their deconstruction phase and are now moving toward Young and Davis leading a rising young core.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polished. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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