apple-polish

verb

ˈa-pəl-ˌpä-lish How to pronounce apple-polish (audio)
Definition of apple-polishnext
as in to curry favor
to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior a departmental supervisor who apple-polishes shamelessly whenever higher-ups are about

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apple-polish
  1. fuss
  2. drool
  3. fawn
Verb
  • Similar to Egypt after its collapse earlier in the week, Switzerland exited fussing about the officiating.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Definition of fuss
Verb
  • Some of the signs of overheating include heavy panting or drooling, a rapid pulse, bright red gums or tongue, labored breathing, difficulty standing, vomiting or diarrhea and a fever.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Typically, the consequence of a sunny Open Championship is firm and fast playing conditions that make golf fans drool.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of drool
Verb
  • Fuentes enjoyed a brief flare of mainstream publicity last year, culminating in a fawning interview with former Republican kingmaker and broadcaster Tucker Carlson.
    — Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Evelyn then gets to meet Juliette, who is visibly uncomfortable with this fangirl fawning all over her.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of fawn
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.

Browse Nearby Words

applauses
apple-polish
apple-polished
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Cite this Entry

“Apple-polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apple-polish. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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