GLOSSING Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

glossing

verb

present participle of gloss

as in polishing

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the action of the water will serve to gloss the seal's coat

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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 glossing The easy-to-use glossing treatment, which should be applied to damp hair and followed by a blow dryer to activate the frizz-fighting alpha acids, is a semi-permanent smoothing spray that basically creates a water-resistant shield to prevent flyaways—even in the most humid of places. — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026 Critchley, glossing Julian of Norwich, draws a distinction between seeing and seeing through creation, but this is a false dichotomy. — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 The downside was often a glossing-over of the tactics used to amass such fortunes. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for glossing

Verb

Almost all of them seemed empty, like houses closed for the season, but a handful had signs of life—crewmen at the railings, polishing the brightwork, as if getting ready to leave.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
There may have been a time when hosting a holiday dinner meant pulling out every platter, polishing the silver, and making sure there were enough wine glasses for a small army.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

Oh, and a pad from an HTC Vive, because nobody wants the sharp edges of layered plastic extruded from a 3D printer rubbing against their face.

— Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Some of the more envelope-pushing moments, including an extended scene of nuns ripping off their habits and rubbing themselves on a life-sized crucifix, were in the script.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

At-home chemical peels can help maintain certain results by exfoliating dead skin cells, smoothing texture, and gradually fading lingering discoloration.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
Oils are best thought of as a strand treatment, smoothing the cuticle, cutting frizz and reducing breakage during brushing and styling.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026