GLOSSY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

glossy

adjective

ˈglä-sē

Definition of glossy next

as in polished

having a shiny surface or finish the glossy finish on the gym floor a sports car with an interior upholstered with glossy leather

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Exploring new techniques and tactile fabrications that emulate raw materials like steel, glass and leather — the Fall collection sees sculptural silhouettes crafted in glossy oil slick vinyls, iridescent silks, metallic lamé and intricate abstract embroideries that emulate tire tracks. —

Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 And that scene that Kaitlyn did an exceptional job of recreating is burned into my memory as a kid watching that — with her pink fuzzy sweater and the glossy lips. —

Max Gao, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025 This is a super polished cast iron pan with a glossy cooking surface that was nice to work with. —

Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 6 Feb. 2025 Native to Central and South America, money trees are popular houseplants with glossy green leaves and slender trunks, which are often braided for aesthetics. —

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for glossy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for glossy

Adjective

However, in today’s hiring landscape, recruiters have become adept at identifying overly polished responses that lack genuine insight to their interview questions.

— Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
The key to this look is a polished, flyaway-free finish.

— Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025