Synonyms of polishes

polishes

verb

present tense third-person singular of polish

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

• rubs
• smooths
• coats
• glosses
• shines
• dresses
• scrubs
• burnishes
• buffs
• scrapes
• sands
• grinds
• lacquers
• varnishes
• furbishes
• smoothens
• finishes
• glazes
• bobs
• slicks
• files
• faces
• brightens
• bones
• veneers
• sleeks
• sandpapers
• scours
• sandblasts
• rasps
• japans
• laps

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ruffles
• roughens
• roughs (up)
• scuffs (up)

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

• finishes
• completes
• perfects
• gets through
• finalizes
• does
• consummates
• accomplishes
• fulfills
• executes
• effects
• sticks out
• achieves
• improves
• performs
• machines
• refines
• shines
• follows through (with)
• enriches
• enhances
• discharges
• carries out
• betters
• amends
• meliorates
• ameliorates
• carries through
• rounds (off or out)
• touches up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drops
• abandons
• quits
• deserts
• discontinues
• forsakes

Example Sentences

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

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

The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations. — Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 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

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

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