polished

1 of 2

adjective

pol·​ished ˈpä-lisht 

1

: subjected to polishing : made smooth and glossy by or as if by polishing

a polished surface

polished silver

2

: characterized by a high degree of development, finish, or refinement : free from imperfections

a polished performance/performer

a highly polished piece of writing

3

somewhat old-fashioned : characterized by elegance and refinement

a polished gentleman

polished society

polished

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of polish entry 1

Synonyms of polished

Adjective

• sleek
• glossy
• glistening
• satin

Examples of polished in a Sentence

Adjective

she could see her face reflected in the polished hood of the car

showing the polished manners of a cosmopolitan woman

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The polished green tourmaline of her Bulgari choker shone like some kind of enchanted talisman. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Discerning buyers can specify this in either bright polished chrome or a sleek, dark anodized metal finish. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026

It is said that touching the polished engravings of the event placed at the pedestal of the Nepomuk statue will bring luck and ensure a return to Prague. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

With polished prose and impeccable research, historian Philbrick unravels the Golden State’s ties to profit, enslavement and white supremacy. — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English polisshed, from past participle of polisshen to polish

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for polished

• abolished
• demolished
• unpolished