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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of polishing
In addition to polishing, 6D force sensors are an essential part of humanoid robots, greatly enhancing their entire performance.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2025
From tackling the many facets of artificial intelligence to polishing communication skills, ongoing learning is an everyday initiative for today’s savviest tech leaders.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
The first assignment was cutting and polishing a cabochon, a gem with a smooth, unfaceted surface — and his fascination with cutting gems began there.
—Tanya Dukes, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
The team responsible for the breakthrough believes their creation could have applications in key sectors, as diamonds are already widely utilized in industries like cutting and polishing tools.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2025
These developments will propel the advancement of polishing robotics toward more accuracy, intelligence, and efficiency.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2025
This allows dynamic adjustments to polishing pressure, direction, and angle, ensuring optimal flexibility and control.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2025
When the researchers were told the project had been canceled, some had almost finished their chapters and were simply polishing.
—Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025
This prompt works wonders for polishing your work and pointing out improvements.
—Kim Komando, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2025
From tackling the many facets of artificial intelligence to polishing communication skills, ongoing learning is an everyday initiative for today’s savviest tech leaders.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
The first assignment was cutting and polishing a cabochon, a gem with a smooth, unfaceted surface — and his fascination with cutting gems began there.
—Tanya Dukes, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
The team responsible for the breakthrough believes their creation could have applications in key sectors, as diamonds are already widely utilized in industries like cutting and polishing tools.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2025
These developments will propel the advancement of polishing robotics toward more accuracy, intelligence, and efficiency.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2025
This allows dynamic adjustments to polishing pressure, direction, and angle, ensuring optimal flexibility and control.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2025
When the researchers were told the project had been canceled, some had almost finished their chapters and were simply polishing.
—Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025
This prompt works wonders for polishing your work and pointing out improvements.
—Kim Komando, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing
Verb
-
The problem is partly that power plays depend on finishing — which can vary wildly in a small sample — while teams spend roughly 10 percent of game time with the man advantage.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Most of the goals drop-off comes from a nosedive in finishing — the Jets have created more chances from prime real estate since the 4 Nations break than almost any other team.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In the clubhouse, smoothing the path for Shohei Ohtani.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Dec. 2024
-
Powered by nourishing shea butter and jojoba oil, this silicone-free formula hydrates, softens, and enhances shine while smoothing unruly hair.—
Erin Parker,
Allure,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Start by buffing a small, out-of-sight area with any cleaning solutions listed to make sure there are no reactions or damage.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
16 Dec. 2024
-
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
23 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Polishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishing. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share