UNPOLISHED Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

unpolished

adjective

ˌən-ˈpä-lisht

Definition of unpolished

as in vulgar

lacking in refinement or good taste an unpolished but well-meaning young man

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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 unpolished As Kay and Downs told IndieWire, HBO itself saw the upstart TV creators as unpolished talent with a quick ear for dialogue and a sharp eye for detail, but with no idea of how to structure a season of TV. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 July 2026 The establishment’s theory of the case has always been that popular insurgents are too risky, too unpolished, too outside the lane. — Tad Devine, Fortune, 7 July 2026 In terms of raw footballing skills, the right wing-back is still a bit unpolished and has a lot of developing to do. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Low-quality decor like plastic plants or cheap rugs can make a space feel cluttered and unpolished. — Jane Kim, The Spruce, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpolished

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpolished

Adjective

Perhaps her daughter-in-law is not vulgar but, rather, simple and spontaneous?

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Decide for yourself whether that’s a bold indicator of English football’s superiority over the rest of the world, or a revolting symbol of the bloated and vulgar behemoth that the game has become.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of vulgar

Adjective

Murdoch is thick-skinned and accustomed to being underestimated by the condescending Brits, who see him as a crass interloper.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
The vulnerability, the crass graffiti, the (lack of) cleanliness, uncomfortable toilet seats—the list of reasons is lengthy.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of crass

Adjective

But the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator knows his unit must show urgency and improvement Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders after a rude wake-up call in the season opener.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Sanders would go so far as to kick out rude guests, former employees said.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rude

Adjective

In 2024, Swift joined the Bears as a free agent whose production didn’t match the contract in a rough year overall for the offense.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
After a rough preseason that included missing a block that got Dart crushed and fumbling, Tracy could next lose his spot on the gameday active roster — if not his job entirely — with Najee Harris waiting to step in.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

The vaccine is licensed for use against Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire strain -- a different, more common type of Ebola virus.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Since sucking betel nuts is not common today, Brumm partnered with Professor Roger Papke, a neuropharmacological researcher at the University of Florida, to test whether the action could cause a drug effect ancient humans may have desired.

— Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of common

Adjective

Typically made with commodity-quality beans, this potent cup is brewed in a metal pot or filtered through cloth and sweetened with panela (unrefined cane sugar).

— Nikkita Nair, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2026
Expansion means more training-wheel games involving unrefined players.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of unrefined

Adjective

Watson is a decade into this league — and quickly playing his way out of it — making the same clumsy mistakes that plagued Shedeur Sanders as a late-round rookie last year.

— Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Such attempts to touch on the highly personal connections people have to Oasis’s music feel clumsy and forced, especially when juxtaposed with the brothers’ rather anonymous comments.

— Elena Lazic, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Browse Nearby Words

unpoetic

unpolished

unpolluted

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“Unpolished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpolished. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unpolished

adjective

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