1
as in rubbing
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 finishing
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 polishing
Unlike other countries that merely export their commodities, Botswana has created jobs by developing a local diamond-cutting and polishing industry, alongside jewellery manufacturing.
—
Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
This gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating sugar scrub helps to melt away makeup, excess oil, and buildup, all while buffing and polishing without stripping the skin.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
One air bubble can destroy a $10,000 piece at the polishing stage.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Advanced packaging – Disco Japan's Disco manufactures processing equipment and tools for the creation of computer chips, specializing in grinding and polishing equipment, which is part of the advanced packaging process.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
The Mother’s kit requires the use of a drill and polishing pad to clean up the lights.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
The experience traced the full journey of a diamond, from extraction to processing, cutting and polishing, grading and certification, and finally, sale.
—Lindsey Granger, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026
Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
This gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating sugar scrub helps to melt away makeup, excess oil, and buildup, all while buffing and polishing without stripping the skin.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
One air bubble can destroy a $10,000 piece at the polishing stage.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Advanced packaging – Disco Japan's Disco manufactures processing equipment and tools for the creation of computer chips, specializing in grinding and polishing equipment, which is part of the advanced packaging process.
—Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
The Mother’s kit requires the use of a drill and polishing pad to clean up the lights.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
The experience traced the full journey of a diamond, from extraction to processing, cutting and polishing, grading and certification, and finally, sale.
—Lindsey Granger, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing
Verb
-
The nun moved from one child to the next, tucking them back under the covers, rubbing backs,and whispering sweet words of affection.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
One of his chief critics was Pele, and Scolari took great delight in rubbing Brazil’s triumph in his face.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Italians claimed the gold medal by finishing 4 1/2 seconds faster than the American world record-holders, and that margin was so large that Giovannini pulled his two white-gloved hands together and pressed them to the side of his head at the close, just the way NBA star Curry does.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Just three courses short of finishing his studies at the seminary, Jackson dropped out to pursue a full-time career in civil rights.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The smoothing system, a blend of ingredients, softens and moisturizes the hair’s cuticle to deeply condition, while the amino acid blend helps prevent breakage and keeps the scalp moisturized.—
Jamie Wilson,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
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As the sensitive Pisces Moon meets romantic Venus, we may be drawn to kindness, simple pleasures, and smoothing rough edges.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Space Shuttle Discovery retired after completing 39 missions.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Fox and Wembanyama scored inside to start the fourth quarter, completing a 12-0 run as San Antonio eventually pushed the lead to 28.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
-
For extra shine, Sokolowski suggests buffing lightly with a dry cloth.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Dish soap’s surfactants bind to grease and water, lifting grime without scrubbing.—
Mallory Carra,
The Spruce,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Users can use them for quick changes or for scrubbing audio in a podcast or song.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishing. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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