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
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
Washington has to find more ways to get after the quarterback, though, and Bailey is the class’ most polished pass rusher.
—
Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Beneath her polished exterior lies a yearning for love and partnership—one that matches her strength, despite whispers that her standards are too high.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
This matching set looks super polished and feels plenty comfortable, according to multiple reviews.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
The dutiful wife in pearls, hair set just so, makeup calibrated in a polished and understated way so as not to distract or stand out.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polished
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.
Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Beneath her polished exterior lies a yearning for love and partnership—one that matches her strength, despite whispers that her standards are too high.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
This matching set looks super polished and feels plenty comfortable, according to multiple reviews.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
The dutiful wife in pearls, hair set just so, makeup calibrated in a polished and understated way so as not to distract or stand out.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polished
Cite this Entry
“Polished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polished. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share