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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of polishes
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
Use jelly polishes atop an opaque base!
—Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 20 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
Next, the gel polishes themselves had to work with the specific wavelengths of the Olive & June lamp.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Plenty of brands already offer or are transitioning to TPO-free formulas that contain different photoinitiators (a chemical that makes gel polishes cure under a lamp instead of air-drying like regular polish) such as TPO-L, BAPO, or other resin initiators.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
The sensorial balm texture tints and polishes the lips, promising 48 hours of hydration encased in a pearl tube with LV-inscribed in gold.
—Essence, 20 Aug. 2025
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
Use jelly polishes atop an opaque base!
—Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 20 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
Next, the gel polishes themselves had to work with the specific wavelengths of the Olive & June lamp.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Plenty of brands already offer or are transitioning to TPO-free formulas that contain different photoinitiators (a chemical that makes gel polishes cure under a lamp instead of air-drying like regular polish) such as TPO-L, BAPO, or other resin initiators.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
The sensorial balm texture tints and polishes the lips, promising 48 hours of hydration encased in a pearl tube with LV-inscribed in gold.
—Essence, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes
Verb
-
This might happen because antler rubs strip bark away, revealing lignin-rich inner wood that reemits the longer wavelengths in a way bark does not.—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Scientific American,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Marauders got second place at 138 thanks to senior Manuel Garcia, a third-place finisher at 132 with senior Ryan Talon-Kelly, fifth place for Mathew Salas at 120, and ninth-place finishes from Mason McDonald (126), Anthony Guzman (106), and Daniel O’Brien (190) and John Kelly (215).—
Erik Anderson,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Dallas finishes the season series winless against Minnesota (0-3) and has struggled against the Wolves with a 1-5 record since that Western Conference Finals clash.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At just $6, the rich moisturizer hydrates and smooths pesky dry spots and crepey patches.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Sweeping slightly melts and smooths the ice, reducing friction so that the stone travels farther and curls less.—
Mark Billingsley,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Resurrection Christian heavyweight Samuel Stockton completes a perfect season in 3A to win his second straight state tile after pinning Mullen’s Champion Dyes.—
Nate Peterson,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Van Oys Maastricht Retreat in the Netherlands completes its rebirth with Oysana spa.—
Jane Alexander,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cheddar and cream of mushroom soup combine to make a rich sauce that coats spaghetti noodles, vegetables, and shredded chicken.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
-
It’s known for its precision nylon brush—more like a flat comb than a fluffy spoolie—that thoroughly coats, lifts, and lengthens each individual lash.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishes. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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