1
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
2
as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface
buffed the silver plate to a high polish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 8 June 2026
The level of polish is no accident.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 6 June 2026
Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Original frescoes were restored, marble was polished, and the color scheme was lightened up with a silver-and-blue palette accenting the white and cream walls.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polish
Noun
The pigments stick really well to the matte polish, so this is necessary.
—Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 8 June 2026
The level of polish is no accident.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 6 June 2026
Verb
This linen style is light and breathable yet polished enough for dressy dinners, strolling along the beach, or exploring the city.
—Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Original frescoes were restored, marble was polished, and the color scheme was lightened up with a silver-and-blue palette accenting the white and cream walls.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish
Noun
-
The whole world relied on our labor, but none of us felt any sense of accomplishment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Out June 9 from Zondervan, Designed to Succeed re-examines what accomplishment can look like.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
After a while, though, all the professions of sincerity and thanks, the constant invocations of the one true POTUS, and the worshipful exhibits upstairs give the whole place a cultish, nostalgic gleam.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
4 June 2026
-
That’s why using the right tools and techniques is key to maintaining its signature gleam.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Once dry, rub a small amount of vegetable oil into the interior and exterior of the pan.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
4 June 2026
-
The administration’s decision to import large quantities of Argentinian beef has also rubbed many ranchers the wrong way.—
Justin Klawans,
TheWeek,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The Knicks got their first lead of the night on Brunson’s 26-footer as part of a big burst to finish the half.—
Brian Mahoney,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
The ceasefire with Iran was supposed to last two weeks while negotiators finished a deal to end the war.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Customers of the Global 8000 will have the opportunity to select the Elie Saab design, a statement of elegance and refinement, the firms said.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
6 June 2026
-
That’s a pity, because with further refinement, Girl, Interrupted could go deeper.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Ings attacks every scene with a conspiratorial glint, the kind of presence who makes the camera feel lucky to have caught him.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its main ingredient, chebula, is a potent antioxidant that smooths and brightens skin.—
Christina Butan,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
-
Add to the prepared baking pan and smooth into an even layer.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
The foul was deemed not to be flagrant, and Clark completed the rare four-point play.—
Ian Miller,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
-
The transaction was completed on March 30.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polish. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
