1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of polishes
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
In one scene, her character polishes and admires the ring, allowing viewers a closer look at the remarkable stone.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations.
—Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.
—Rachel Garrahan, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
The vacuum has a fluffy optic cleaner head that not only cleans but also polishes hard floors.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
Remember the butler who polishes the shower?
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
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
In one scene, her character polishes and admires the ring, allowing viewers a closer look at the remarkable stone.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations.
—Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.
—Rachel Garrahan, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
The vacuum has a fluffy optic cleaner head that not only cleans but also polishes hard floors.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
Remember the butler who polishes the shower?
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes
Verb
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The plastic bristles coax out loose hair as your cat rubs against it.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
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Expect wagyu brisket, lemon-zested ribs and rubs with hints of curry or tandoori.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Saturday's Belmont Stakes marked the third consecutive, and final, year in which the race took place at Saratoga Race Course in Upstate New York, as Belmont Park finishes up renovations.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
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The tour kicked off on April 22 in San Diego and finishes on July 30 in Warsaw, Poland.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Specifically, retinol smooths fine lines, lessens wrinkle depth, and whittles the appearance of large pores.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
-
Rick is tightly scheduled, punctilious to a fault, endowed with verbal wit that gently but firmly shapes and smooths social interactions.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Verb
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The moon completes the show The moon, our nearest neighbor in space, will join the planetary/stellar parade during the third week of June.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
5 June 2026
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Haiti’s centre-forward, Nazon, is the team’s all-time top scorer with 44 goals at the time of writing, Pierrot isn’t far behind him with 34, and Sunderland’s Isidor — who committed to representing Haiti this March — completes the set.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
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On the palate, the whiskey delivers a medium-to-full-bodied texture with a pleasantly oily mouthfeel that coats the tongue without feeling heavy.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and coats a spatula (about 170 degrees Fahrenheit).—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishes. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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