POLISHING Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

polishing

verb

present participle of polish

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For deeper etching, a polishing compound and pad may restore the finish. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026 Not deliberately misleading them—more like polishing things up. — Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Interest—from both visitors and islanders—is gently shifting away from polishing playboy yachts or appeasing the decadent whims of retirees, to something, well, more real. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 The investment of time and money put into excavating and polishing a skeleton such as Gus would not be possible, according to Hatton, without the prospect of a high-value sale. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 Rather than using a standard stonewash, TacticalGeek says the blade is hand-finished with sanding and polishing steps that refine the surface from coarse to fine, while the groove area uses EDM machining for extra texture and visual depth. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026 Sullivan practices with UConn’s Fencing Club and is still polishing her skills, but the sport is no longer her top priority. — Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 However, Capcom has been hard at work polishing it like an authentic Hattori Hanzō sword. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 2 July 2026 Parker Kitternan was busy at the console of the church's pipe organ, polishing his musical tribute for the weekend. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing

Verb

Coat the exterior of the pork with 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice, rubbing it into the meat.

— Kate Williams, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the material.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

In 2025, Journalism came closest, finishing second to Sovereignty by 1½ lengths at the Derby before winning in Baltimore.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
But Haugset, sensing the danger, stood on her pedals to stay ahead and managed to increase her lead again, finishing 1 minute 24 seconds ahead of Kopecky.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of finishing

Verb

The remaining work includes installing equipment, carrying out system integration, and completing testing before the ropeway opens to passengers.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Hong Kong‘s Palace Museum (HKPM) has announced that its director, Louis Ng, will retire from his role in January of 2027 after completing his seven year contract.

— News Desk, Artforum, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of completing

Verb

Most people use the miracle sponge for buffing out wall or floor scuffs, but Macqueen’s recommendation is an eye-opener.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Definition of buffing

Verb

The stench, a byproduct of papermaking, eased years ago with the installation of air-scrubbing equipment and went away completely in September when International Paper closed the mill after 90 years of operation.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
During hot summer weather, experts recommend rinsing and refreshing bird bath water1 once a day and scrubbing baths clean every few days.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026