well-turned
Nicely put together
Well-turned describes something crafted with skill and elegance, especially language.
A well-turned phrase is memorably worded, polished without seeming labored.
The term extends to physical form—a well-turned ankle or well-turned leg suggests shapely curves, though this usage sounds old-fashioned now.
The image comes from woodworking, where a lathe turns raw material into something smooth and balanced.
Elegant in movement
- refinedPurified or cultured
- shapelyAttractively curved or formed
- comelyAttractively pleasing to view
- neatOrderly, or undiluted
trim · svelte · curvaceous · pleasing · attractive · proportioned · symmetrical · balanced
Fluent and persuasive
- articulateExpress clearly, or well-spoken
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- wittyCleverly humorous
- aptNaturally suited or inclined
felicitous · pithy · clever · memorable · expressive · bon mot · epigram · quip
Rotating shaping machine
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- carvedCut to create form
- sculptedShaped into art
shaped · fashioned · wrought · baluster · finial · leg · bowl · knob
Formal eloquent discourse
- persuasiveAble to convince others
- eloquencePersuasive verbal grace
- dictionChoice of words
- discourseFormal communication on subjects
fluent · compelling · resonant · evocative · striking · powerful · vivid · silver-tongued
graceful
Elegant in movement
neat · trim · svelte · curvaceous · pleasing · attractive · proportioned · symmetrical · balanced · handsome
eloquent
Fluent and persuasive
- articulateExpress clearly, or well-spoken
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- wittyCleverly humorous
apt · felicitous · pithy · clever · memorable · expressive · bon mot · epigram · quip · witticism
lathe
Rotating shaping machine
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- spindleRotating rod for thread
- carvedCut to create form
sculpted · shaped · fashioned · wrought · baluster · finial · leg · bowl · knob · furniture
oratory
Formal eloquent discourse
- persuasiveAble to convince others
- eloquencePersuasive verbal grace
- dictionChoice of words
discourse · fluent · compelling · resonant · evocative · striking · powerful · vivid · silver-tongued · mellifluous