1
as in rubbing
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finishing
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of polishing
After 10 to 20 passes, repeat the same process on the ceramic polishing rods, if the sharpener has them.
—
Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
The program acts almost like a navigation map for individuals intent on entering the sector, from polishing resumes to grasping industry dynamics.
—William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Remove all oil residue from the nail beds before polishing.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2026
Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners when cleaning and polishing wood flooring.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike other countries that merely export their commodities, Botswana has created jobs by developing a local diamond-cutting and polishing industry, alongside jewellery manufacturing.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
This gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating sugar scrub helps to melt away makeup, excess oil, and buildup, all while buffing and polishing without stripping the skin.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
The program acts almost like a navigation map for individuals intent on entering the sector, from polishing resumes to grasping industry dynamics.
—William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Remove all oil residue from the nail beds before polishing.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2026
Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners when cleaning and polishing wood flooring.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike other countries that merely export their commodities, Botswana has created jobs by developing a local diamond-cutting and polishing industry, alongside jewellery manufacturing.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
This gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating sugar scrub helps to melt away makeup, excess oil, and buildup, all while buffing and polishing without stripping the skin.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing
Verb
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The slightly higher cut helps prevent sneakers from rubbing your ankle or the top of your foot.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2026
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So, the timing for Mortensen to be making his second show debut right as his ex’s is being pulled off the air is rubbing fans the wrong way.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The school's practices allowed people to get massage therapy licenses without finishing the required training, according to TDLR.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The series is hosted by Nick Viall, a 45-year old man who starred on The Bachelor after finishing runner-up in two consecutive seasons of The Bachelorette, and his 27-year model and former surgical technologist wife Natalie Joy.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hospitals that implemented smoothing elective admissions have reported millions of dollars in additional annual revenue.—
Eugene Litvak,
STAT,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The end result is a lotion that hydrates while also preventing breakouts and smoothing rough texture over time.—
Hana Hong,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Christopherson, a Star resident, is wrapping up his third year as principal of Hunter Elementary in Meridian after completing his principal internship at Star and Willow Creek elementary schools.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
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Gorman was reportedly only a few months away from completing her freshman year.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These provide enough force for buffing out scratches without further damaging the surface.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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Anything above 220 is considered fine and works well for smoothing edges and buffing the nail surface to a polished finish.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table did a good job of scrubbing the air in my tests.—
John R. Delaney,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
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Soapy water is her go-to for scrubbing away greasy gunk.—
Lori Keong,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishing. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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