sleek

1 of 2

adjective

ˈslēk How to pronounce sleek (audio)
Synonyms of sleeknext
1
a
: smooth and glossy as if polished
sleek dark hair
b
: having a smooth well-groomed look
sleek cattle
c
: healthy-looking
2
: smooth in speech or manner
also : unctuous
3
a
: having a prosperous air
sleek luxury condominiums
b
: having trim graceful lines
a sleek car
c
: elegant, stylish
a sleek wardrobe
sleekly adverb
sleekness noun

sleek

2 of 2

verb

sleeked; sleeking; sleeks

transitive verb

1
: slick
grooms sleeking cooled horses—Sunset
2
: to cover up : gloss over

intransitive verb

: slick

Synonyms

Adjective

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for sleek

sleek, slick, glossy mean having a smooth bright surface or appearance.

sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive grooming or physical conditioning.

a sleek racehorse

slick suggests extreme smoothness that results in a slippery surface.

slipped and fell on the slick floor

glossy suggests a highly reflective surface.

photographs having a glossy finish

Examples of sleek in a Sentence

Adjective the sleek lines of a sports car a striking beauty with sleek raven hair
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Plus, the new Jet Black aluminum case paired with a sleek black sport band gives it a refined, sporty look. —Juhi Wadia, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 His obsession with athletic shoes and sleek clothing has been innate rather than forced, according to him. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
With 20 cars in the lineup—from vintage American classics to sleek modern supercars like Ferraris and McLarens—the rally became a moving exhibit of automotive history and innovation. —Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Over the past few decades, PCs have evolved from large clunky devices to sleek powerhouses. —George Toh, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sleek 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

alteration of slick entry 1

Verb

Middle English sleken, alteration of sliken — more at slick entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleek was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sleek

sleechy

sleek

sleeken

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sleek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleek. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

sleek

1 of 2 verb
ˈslēk How to pronounce sleek (audio)
: to make or become sleek

sleek

2 of 2 adjective
1
a
: smooth and glossy as if polished
sleek dark hair
b
: having a smooth healthy well-groomed look
sleek cattle grazing
2
: having a prosperous look or manner
sleekly adverb
sleekness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sleek

Nglish: Translation of sleek for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sleek for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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