POLISHES Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

polishes

verb

present tense third-person singular of polish

as in rubs

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in finishes

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 polishes While a classic button-down shirt is always timeless, a peplum top offers the same wearability with a waist-defining silhouette that instantly polishes any bottom they’re paired with. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 The PowerPaste polishes and protects more delicate surfaces, while the Tangerine Clean is more abrasive for serious scrubbing. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 Through processing that polishes the individual wool fibers, the technology allows wool to have more luster, a softer hand feel, drape and elastic recovery. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 4 June 2026 Sheer jelly polishes create a seamless ombré effect. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 2 June 2026 From there, Sharrow thins down its propeller to precise specification with a five-axis CNC machine and polishes it. — New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026 Their bestselling Regenerating Cleanser gently polishes away impurities and dullness to reveal a healthy-looking, radiant glow, clinically proven to make skin look brighter, smoother, more hydrated and pores look smaller. — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations. — Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes

Verb

Achord stands behind Smack each time and, before one kick, rubs his belly with his other hand over his head as some sort of signal.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
But during the following two years, Van Lith saw only gigantic tracks and adrenaline-inspiring antler rubs that had been left behind by the buck of his dreams.

— Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubs

Verb

Instead of the traditional strawberry jam or maple syrup, Hart uses blackberry and yuzu jam, then finishes the sandwich with cherry blossom powdered sugar made with sakura flowers sourced from a farm in Japan.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Once the homicide unit finishes its investigation, the case heads to the San Diego County district attorney’s office, which will decide if the police officer who shot the man is criminally liable, according to the statement.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of finishes

Verb

The conclusion of the trilogy completes David’s (Michael Iskander) transformation from outcast shepherd to fierce warrior to his ultimate destiny as King.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
Newton, who tied the record by throwing for 422 yards in last week’s loss at Arizona, completes 28 of 46 passes with one touchdown in the 30-23 loss to the Packers.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of completes

Verb

Cook, tossing and adding more pasta cooking liquid a little at a time as needed, until sauce lightly coats pasta, about 2 minutes.

— Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Gradually whisk in chicken broth; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon, 1 to 2 minutes.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026