sleek

Having a slim, smooth shape that looks neat and allows easy movement.

• The boat had a sleek shape.
• A sleek sports car stopped outside.
• The new aircraft is sleeker than the old model.

Similar words: streamlined, slim

Opposites: bulky

Common phrases: sleek design, sleek sports car, sleek lines

Having a smooth, even surface, with no rough parts or loose hairs.

• Her hair was sleek and straight.
• The horse had a sleek coat.
• He brushed the dog until its fur looked sleek.

Similar words: smooth

Opposites: rough

Common phrases: sleek hair, sleek coat, sleek fur, sleek surface

Having a shiny surface that looks well cared for.

• The cat had sleek black fur.
• Her sleek hair caught the light.
• The polished wood looked sleek under the lamps.

Similar words: glossy, shiny

Opposites: dull

Common phrases: sleek black hair, sleek coat, sleek finish

To make a surface or hair smooth and shiny.

• She sleeked her hair back.
• He used oil to sleek down the loose strands.
• The barber sleeked his hair with a comb.

How to use it: sleek something back/down (She sleeked her hair back with gel.)

Similar words: smooth, polish

Common phrases: sleek back something, sleek down something, sleek someone’s hair

A coating put on something to make its surface smooth.

• He applied sleek to the wooden panel.
• A thin coat of sleek smoothed the surface.
• The carpenter waited for the sleek to dry.

Similar words: varnish

Common phrases: coat of sleek, apply the sleek, layer of sleek