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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Gold chrome accents complement the orange jewels and maroon polish. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026 This wood paste cleans, polishes, and leaves behind a beautiful, shiny finish. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Verb

Dry and polish the surface using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026 Channel her model-off-duty energy with a satin midi skirt, matching tank, and a pair of cowboy boots polished to a high shine. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish

Noun

Diamond earrings from Daniel’s Jewelers can celebrate everything from a graduation or promotion to a personal accomplishment that deserves considerably more recognition than a congratulatory text.

— Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
The idea came from Christeson’s emphasis on representing and celebrating the style and accomplishments of the actual professional women whom the garments are intended for.

— Clara Hillis, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

Many of us were not a gleam in our parents’ eyes when Monterey Pop took place.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Related Stories Cruise, declaiming every line, acting with blind bluster and a mean gleam of good-ol’-boy joy, makes Digger a walking cartoon — a larger-than-life satire of over-the-top American arrogance, like LBJ crossed with Foghorn Leghorn.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of gleam

Verb

Some of these practices have been reported on before, such as rubbing deodorant against colored pages from magazines to make eye shadow.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026
The story takes place around the Club Rumba Royale, where white Europeans and Congolese citizens rub shoulders, and where the captivating melodies of rumba merge with aspirations and fiery debates of independence.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

Normalization of the death penalty—the refinement of the technical aspect, the legal aspect, the cultural aspect—has been a centuries-long project both within and outside the government.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2026
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra brings a faster chip, redesigned thermal cooling, and better battery life, but these refinements may feel too incremental for existing Tab S11 Ultra owners.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of refinement

Noun

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
Now that the greige days are finally behind us, a glint of sparkle truly delights.

— Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of glint

Verb

The batteries smooth the load and help optimize fuel consumption.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
The project is predicated on the theme that the title suggests — love of self, love of others, love for her daughter Hazel — while embracing a swath of styles spanning quiet storm to smooth, finger-snapped R&B.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of smooth

Verb

The oceanfront lawn, beachfront restaurant, and intricate sand sculptures complete the picture.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Tuesday night’s episode of NBC’s The Voice saw team leaders Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green complete their rosters as the Blind Auditions came to an end.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026