polished

1 of 2

adjective

pol·​ished ˈpä-lisht How to pronounce polished (audio)
Synonyms of polished
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

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Adjective

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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
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Adjective
Beirut's private-press scene has little in common with the studio culture of ’80s Tokyo, where an abundance of resources and technology filtered the same foreign influences into something more perfect and polished. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 Add books, a vase or a candle to make the seating area look more polished. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 There are waterproof Sorel boots for rainy-day exploring, classic Adidas sneakers for casual outfits, and plenty of polished options, from slingback flats and ballet flats to easy slip-on loafers. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026 Devoré velvet minidresses, wide-leg denim and polished tracksuits pushed the contrast further, shifting from dressed-up to off-duty within a few looks. — Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polished

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of polished was in the 14th century

Rhymes for polished

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Browse Nearby Words

Polish Corridor
polished
polished rice
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Cite this Entry

“Polished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polished. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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