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

Or opt for a more polished look with heeled sandals, jewelry, and a straw purse. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 10 June 2024

For evening wear, opt for a more polished look, such as long pants, jeans, a dress or skirt, a stylish top or a button-down. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 5 June 2024

Selling polished diamonds through own-brand and independent channels would mark quite a strategic departure; currently the business only sells to a select group of customers. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Europe, 5 June 2024

Imagine a space where natural textures like woven fibers and soft linens coexist harmoniously with sleek, polished surfaces, contemporary art pieces, and minimalist accents. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 4 June 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