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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Expect wagyu brisket, lemon-zested ribs and rubs with hints of curry or tandoori.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
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Give him lots of treats and belly rubs!—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The weekend While Friday finishes on a comfy note with highs hovering around, a summer-like pattern officially gets Saturday underway as warmer air begins to pump into the state.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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Voters will elect a new mayor in 2027 as Quinton Lucas finishes his second term in office.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Check out this conditioner that smooths and softens strands while adding a bit of shine, so your hair looks healthier without a ton of effort.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
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In the other direction, the PCS absorbs and smooths transients caused by sudden load swings in the data center that would otherwise disrupt the grid.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And in what the industry is calling zero-click commerce, the agent picks one winner and completes the purchase without the consumer ever seeing the alternatives.—
Zac Brandenberg,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Celeste completes avionics testing Celeste is working towards demonstrating these advantages in real flight tests.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Continue cooking and tossing until the tomato and fat merge to create a beautiful, glossy sauce that coats the pasta, about 30 seconds more.—
Karla Walsh,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
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Ngo coats the nail with a matte primer, which creates a smooth base, before buffing eye shadow across the surface with a nail sponge.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishes. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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