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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of polishes
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes
Verb
-
The plastic bristles coax out loose hair as your cat rubs against it.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
-
Expect wagyu brisket, lemon-zested ribs and rubs with hints of curry or tandoori.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The agent that finishes the most work on the first attempt is the one worth paying for.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Use 100-piece puzzles and see who finishes first.—
Parents,
Parents,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Red algae extract draws moisture deep into the skin while adenosine, a naturally occurring component of skin that supports collagen production, simultaneously smooths, soothes, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles over time.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
13 June 2026
-
Its main ingredient, chebula, is a potent antioxidant that smooths and brightens skin.—
Christina Butan,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
After coming so close to a no-hitter twice, maybe the third time will be the one Yamamoto completes.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
-
The Skinspan roadmap notes that skin completes much of its repair during sleep, which is why dermatologists increasingly treat seven to nine hours as a longevity intervention on par with topical actives.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
The ranch flavor is prominent and generously coats your fingers (in the best way).—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
-
Then there’s the gorgeous pink dust that lightly coats each chip.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishes. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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