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

Then get creative with abstract lines using a darker brown polish to mimic the swirling patterns of coffee. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026 The kitchen brings in a little more polish with dark wood cabinetry and marble countertops. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Before Bay Area readers start polishing their debate trophies, remember these studies are conversation starters, not final verdicts. — James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish

Noun

Some trade analysts were struck by how few tangible accomplishments seemed to come from the meeting.

— MICHELLE L. PRICE, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
With the American League East title won and homefield advantage secured through the Championship Series, the Rays don’t have much to play for during the final days of the regular season besides some individual accomplishments.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Verb

Drain, then rub beans between fingers to remove as many skins as possible.

— Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Hollidge and Eshaghpour were captivated by Frank’s use of straw, which becomes more or less lustrous depending on how hard it’s rubbed (bringing out the material’s natural silica) and can be dyed to achieve different hues.

— Jill Singer, Curbed, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of rub

Verb

The price for Senate Republicans to finish the college sports bill quickly this week might be a roll call vote on allowing NCAA athletes to organize.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
After a one-two finish by Democrats in the governor's primary, some voters were angry when Begich, who finished second, withdrew and endorsed leading vote-getter Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of finish

Verb

Saltair’s refill pods lean on BHAs and zinc ricinoleate to tackle odor while smoothing skin — a skincare-crossover pitch that reframes deodorant as part of a beauty routine rather than a utilitarian purchase.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
Ahead, our favorite formulas help smooth things over—whatever’s behind the bumps.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of smooth

Verb

Construction of the first cell building began in summer 2023, while production equipment installation was completed by spring 2026.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Mahomes was sensational, completing 32 of 47 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026