Synonyms of sleek

sleek 1 of 2

adjective

as in polished

having a shiny surface or finish

a striking beauty with sleek raven hair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

sleek

2 of 2

verb

as in to slick

Related Words

• slick
• smooth
• coat
• gloss
• polish
• shine
• burnish
• buff
• rub
• glaze
• furbish
• finish
• varnish
• dress
• japan
• brighten
• face
• smoothen
• file
• lacquer
• sand
• grind
• scrub
• veneer
• bone
• scour
• bob
• scrape
• sandblast
• sandpaper
• lap
• rasp

Dissimilar Words

• rough (up)
• ruffle
• roughen
• scuff (up)

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sleek differ from other similar words?

The words glossy and slick are common synonyms of sleek. While all three words mean "having a smooth bright surface or appearance," sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning.

a sleek racehorse

In what contexts can glossy take the place of sleek?

The words glossy and sleek are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, glossy suggests a highly reflective surface.

photographs having a glossy finish

When might slick be a better fit than sleek?

Although the words slick and sleek have much in common, slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface.

slipped and fell on the slick floor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sleek

Adjective

While their signature aesthetics range from colorful and pattern-packed to sleek and contemporary, these Atlanta firms aren’t afraid to take design risks—as seen in their daring uses of color, eye-catching materials, and one-of-a-kind custom furnishings. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025

The nominees in this year’s acting categories have lived in properties ranging from sprawling rural estates to sleek, Hollywood houses. —Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2025

Verb

Like several others in its catalog, this vacuum boasts a sleek design that’s reminiscent of best-sellers like Samsung’s Bespoke Jet. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025

Digitizing services or offering sleek apps is no longer sufficient. —Gabriele Buffo, Fortune, 26 June 2025