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sleek
/sliːk/
smooth and stylish
The sleek design of the new smartphone made it stand out in the market.
The smartphone's smooth and stylish appearance made it popular.
neutral
Smooth, glossy, and elegant in appearance or design
The car's sleek curves caught everyone's attention at the auto show.
The car's smooth and elegant curves were admired by the audience.
She wore a sleek black dress to the gala.
Her elegant black dress was stylish and polished.
Often describes objects, animals, or people with a polished, modern look.
neutral
(of a person) well-groomed and stylish in appearance
He looked sleek in his tailored suit and polished shoes.
His well-groomed appearance in the suit and shoes was stylish.
Implies a high level of personal grooming and sophistication.
Collocations
sleek designelegant and smooth designsleek appearancepolished and stylish look
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'sleek'
While 'sleek' is useful for describing modern elegance, it can sound clichéd if overused. Pair it with specific details for stronger imagery, e.g., 'The sleek, aerodynamic design of the jet...' instead of just 'The sleek design...'
Gold Rule
Use 'sleek' for visual appeal
Reserve 'sleek' for descriptions where the smoothness, glossiness, or stylishness is visually apparent. It is not suitable for abstract qualities like 'sleek negotiations' or 'sleek strategies'.
Word Origin
From Middle English *slik* (smooth), from Old English *slīc* (smooth, sleek). Related to Dutch *slijk* (mud) and German *schlick* (silt). The modern sense of stylish elegance emerged in the late 19th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe modern, high-end products, fashion, or personal grooming. Avoid using for people in formal contexts unless describing their appearance.
English Dictionary