POLISH Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

polish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of polish

as in accomplishment

a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts acquired a great deal of polish during his year abroad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gleam

brightness created by light reflected from a surface buffed the silver plate to a high polish

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polish

2 of 2

verb

ˈpä-lish

as in to rub

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure you'll need to polish your shoes with a clean rag before the performance

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to finish

to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done once you polish the article a bit, it'll be ready to submit

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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 polish

Noun

The secret to capturing tiny bubbles in polish is a touch of sparkle. — Loren Savini, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026 Andrew Taylor-Parr, the image director for Comme des Garçons (who actually lives in the Barbican), notices the appeal of raw materials and strong form against the modern backdrop of visual noise and commercial polish. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026

Verb

By taking an already class-leading ereader and refining it with a slimmer profile, Amazon has polished its best Kindle just enough. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026 Her collared sweater looks so similar to this now-$18 style that is polished enough to wear to the office but just as easy to throw on with jeans. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish

Noun

Those accomplishments do not disappear simply because our professional paths are diverging.

— Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
Passing this bill would also be a great legacy accomplishment for Speaker Johnson, Chairman Arrington, lead Republican co-sponsor Huizenga, and others.

— Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

The music resolves and smoke rolls into the gallery before the screen opens up and the real Endeavour gleams in the distance, spotlighted like a mirage in the dark.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The singer-songwriter’s seventh album is their wackiest and funniest to date, with a madcap gleam coursing through its synth-pop portraits of lovable weirdos and suburban dread.

— Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of gleam

Verb

For small spots and stains, gently rub them with an art gum eraser.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2026
The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

Founded in SoHo, Lafayette 148 has built its identity around refinement that evolves with the times.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Despite our best efforts, there will undoubtedly be further clarifications and refinements that need to be made particularly within sub-teams that will need to be more specifically re-aligned to this new structure.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of refinement

Noun

Lights from torches and Navi the fairy play off the floors and walls of dungeons with lavish detail, making metal glint and bringing out the cracks and contours of stone and tile.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
And because water and most other liquids can’t persist on a planet’s surface without an insulating blanket of air, seeing such a glint could signal the presence of an atmosphere as well.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of glint

Verb

The relaxed legs offer plenty of room to move, while the elegant pleats create a flattering drape that helps smooth visible lines.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026