APPLE-POLISHING Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

apple-polishing

verb

present participle of apple-polish

as in fussing

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for apple-polishing

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 fussing

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
If your pet is vomiting, drooling, showing weakness or having trouble swallowing or breathing, head directly to a veterinary hospital.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Definition of drooling

Verb

What distinguishes Camper, at least musically, is his deference to classic R&B signifiers without kowtowing to pastiche.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
After all, the series largely avoids other topical issues of modern campus life, from freedom of speech restrictions to administrators kowtowing to autocracies.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026

Definition of kowtowing

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 fawning

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apple-polishes

apple-polishing

applesauce

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

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Synonyms of apple-polishing

verb

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