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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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

As part of the brand’s Italia D’Argento collection, the earrings celebrate Italian silver craftsmanship through their sculptural shape and high-polish finish. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Audiences connect with authenticity over polish, making content feel more trustworthy, relatable and ultimately more persuasive. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

Some jobs that previously relied on hand craftsmanship but can now be automated made the top 10, including patternmakers and grinding and polishing workers. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The rotor, plated in 5N rose gold, is also inspired by a wind motif while the screw is polished in black. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish

Noun

Still, with all the aforementioned accomplishments, and decades later, Steinem said that her naysayers used her bunny work in an attempt to discredit her.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
To Morrison, as well as to the filmmakers, this awful backstory makes something cathartic of his accomplishment.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Verb

One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Danger, Olivo, and Mosco had just eaten by the gazebo and Damaris was rubbing her pup’s head goodnight, about to go into the shack.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of rub

Verb

City finished 17 points behind Chelsea when Chelsea won their most recent title, and maybe after a while that inculcates a sense of shakiness, or not-quite-worthiness.

— Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
The Kansas City Royals finished Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays without one of their key offensive contributors.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of finish

Noun

There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Steve Gleason, co-founder of Crowfoot Range and a member of the Avimor neighborhood watch, was the first to point out the glint of a pickup truck on the far hill.

— Noah Daly August 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of glint

Verb

Eight Saints Up the Anti Night Cream moisturizes and plumps skin while smoothing wrinkles and fine lines on the face, neck, and décolleté area.

— Melony Forcier, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026
Attendees posed for selfies with our supermodel cover stars Anok Yai and Alex Consani, got their curls refreshed with Wella Professionals, and had their foreheads smoothed at VIP neuromodulator appointments.

— Jennet Jusu, Allure, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of smooth

Verb

Even after California erased a 14-point lead in Week 1, UCLA answered with 21 unanswered points to complete a 45-24 drubbing.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The first phase is expected to be completed in 2029 and will bring together at least 3,000 employees.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026