glossy

adjective

ˈglä-sē How to pronounce glossy (audio)
Definition of glossynext
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 White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared photos on X from the plane's interior, which appeared to show large conference tables, leather seats and some glossy wood paneling. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Designers are curating dedicated accessory collections or reimagining signature styles in PVC and glossy finishes, from Chloé and Tory Burch to Diesel. — Sanika Achrekar, Glamour, 2 July 2026 Uebelhoer’s sister created a packet of publicity materials that, according to Sebold, included a glossy 8-by-10-inch photograph of Uebelhoer. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 Suki Waterhouse found three ways around the usual summer sandal Monday in New York, moving from pale knee-high sock boots in Midtown to python slingbacks in the Financial District and glossy black pumps in Battery Park City. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for glossy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glossy
  1. polished
  2. sleek
  3. glistening
  4. satin
Adjective
  • The skirt’s front slit detail looks polished, while allowing for easy movement and extra breathability.
    — Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Go for a pair in neutral colors or polished finishes—they'll have the same vibe without feeling so over-the-top.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026
Definition of polished
Adjective
  • The sleek outfit borrowed many of the elements that Shields has relied on for years.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • This rehearsal dinner look may offer a preview of the glamour still to come, but Gomez's sleek bun has already earned its place among the weekend's standout beauty moments.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 3 July 2026
Definition of sleek
Adjective
  • The base is a matte cat-eye, but the whole design is finished with a shiny top coat for a glistening melted-Popsicle effect.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The 75,000 square foot, multi-level space attracts world famous DJs and guests and exists as a glistening jewel in the crown of Caesars Palace’s broad range of entertainment venues.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of glistening
Adjective
  • Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.
    — Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 18 Jan. 2023
  • From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.
    — Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 13 Jan. 2023
Definition of satin

Browse Nearby Words

gloss (over)
glossy
glottal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glossy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glossy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on glossy

Nglish: Translation of glossy for Spanish Speakers

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