polished

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

Synonyms

• buffed
• burnished
• glistening
• glossy
• lustrous
• rubbed
• satin
• satiny
• sleek

Examples of polished in a Sentence

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

Smooth Fit Pull-on High-rise Pants $148 $79 at Lululemon These high-rise pants combine the comfort of lounge wear with the polished look of trousers. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2024

In reality, unlike these polished narratives, authentic love is imperfect, human and far more fulfilling. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

The Georgian peanut farmer won the gubernatorial race, aided by a more polished campaign that featured posters and relied on poll data to guide Carter's campaign strategy. —Tabitha Parent, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024

Zara opted for a polished monochromatic look in one of this year’s trending colors, burgundy. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English polisshed, from past participle of polisshen to polish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1