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

Relevance

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 Nowadays, machinery like edge polishers make calibration, grinding, shaping and beveling possible with great ease and high-pressure waterjet cutting and polishing systems used for complex contours and sensitive materials. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Small updates like polishing or new hardware can elevate your kitchen’s look with minimal effort. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 24 Oct. 2026 Almost all of them seemed empty, like houses closed for the season, but a handful had signs of life—crewmen at the railings, polishing the brightwork, as if getting ready to leave. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 There may have been a time when hosting a holiday dinner meant pulling out every platter, polishing the silver, and making sure there were enough wine glasses for a small army. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026 The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Before Bay Area readers start polishing their debate trophies, remember these studies are conversation starters, not final verdicts. — James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 Running a raw, unedited Q&A shows the reality of the technology without a corporate PR team polishing the rough edges or hiding the structural failures. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 Live Edit, Video Capture, and Formats Snap Pro 26 continues to build on past iterations' strengths by keeping what worked and further polishing it. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing

Verb

The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Small amounts of surface rust or rust that can be removed simply by rubbing a paper towel over the surface, is okay.

— Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

On average, 83 percent of IFM students are employed within one year of finishing their studies, Romatet said.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Despite limiting the conference’s top rushing attack, FIU struggled to prevent Liberty from finishing drives, turning a promising defensive statistic into a glaring weakness.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of finishing

Verb

The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning formula uses the brand’s 3D Lip Complex, which blends bidens pilosa extract—known for its anti-inflammatory properties and smoothing effect—with cotton seed and linseed oil to help even texture and soften the skin.

— Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
It’s made with Bioheal’s signature Probioderm complex, the same fine-line-smoothing ingredient that landed the brand’s eye cream on Vogue’s list of the best Korean formulas.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

Willis, meanwhile, was lights out in the period, completing 77% of his passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
The Buccaneers became the first team in 52 years to play a game without completing a pass — Mayfield was 0 for 3 in a driving rainstorm.

— Rob Maaddi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of completing

Verb

Rather than drawing a precise border around the lips, the technique involves buffing pigment outward to create a hazy, almost airbrushed effect.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste’s active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.

— Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2026