unpolished

adjective

ˌən-ˈpä-lisht How to pronounce unpolished (audio)
Definition of unpolishednext
as in vulgar
lacking in refinement or good taste an unpolished but well-meaning young man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unpolished As Kay and Downs told IndieWire, HBO itself saw the upstart TV creators as unpolished talent with a quick ear for dialogue and a sharp eye for detail, but with no idea of how to structure a season of TV. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 July 2026 The establishment’s theory of the case has always been that popular insurgents are too risky, too unpolished, too outside the lane. — Tad Devine, Fortune, 7 July 2026 In terms of raw footballing skills, the right wing-back is still a bit unpolished and has a lot of developing to do. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 30 June 2026 Low-quality decor like plastic plants or cheap rugs can make a space feel cluttered and unpolished. — Jane Kim, The Spruce, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpolished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpolished
  1. vulgar
  2. crass
  3. rude
  4. coarse
  5. rough
  6. common
  7. unrefined
  8. clumsy
Adjective
  • Decide for yourself whether that’s a bold indicator of English football’s superiority over the rest of the world, or a revolting symbol of the bloated and vulgar behemoth that the game has become.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • However, recent scholarship posits that the structure was used as ordinary (rather than punitive) housing, and that the vulgar decor was in fact a distinguishing characteristic of the epoch.
    — Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of vulgar
Adjective
  • Murdoch is thick-skinned and accustomed to being underestimated by the condescending Brits, who see him as a crass interloper.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The vulnerability, the crass graffiti, the (lack of) cleanliness, uncomfortable toilet seats—the list of reasons is lengthy.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of crass
Adjective
  • For instance, your colleagues may be very agreeable and kind to their boss but rude to their more junior colleagues, or the cafeteria waiter.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Totally ignoring the humanity of both worker and customer is rude, and yet both parties are interested in getting on with whatever the transaction is.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rude
Adjective
  • An ideal growing medium consists of one-third perlite or coarse sand and two-thirds sphagnum moss (or coco coir).
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There's kosher salt, a coarse salt that comes in grains and flakes – many without additives.
    — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of coarse
Adjective
  • Convincing a parent to get hearing aids can be a rough experience.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The journey back to the river camp was an arduous three-mile hike over rough terrain.
    — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • Some common laser problems can already be corrected automatically.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Power outlet placement is a common sticking point for electric versions.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of common
Adjective
  • The capsules are gelatin-free and the oil is cold-pressed and unrefined.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Read labels carefully and look for the unrefined version that preserves as many nutrients as possible.
    — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrefined
Adjective
  • Such episodes now look like clumsy moments in a decade of dissembling.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Yirenki’s challenge on Christos Tzolis is clumsy, but well short of a first yellow card, let alone a second.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of clumsy

Browse Nearby Words

unpoetic
unpolished
unpolluted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpolished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpolished. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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