Synonyms of polishing

polishing

verb

present participle of polish

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

• rubbing
• smoothing
• buffing
• scrubbing
• shining
• coating
• burnishing
• glossing
• grinding
• scraping
• dressing
• finishing
• furbishing
• sanding
• smoothening
• varnishing
• glazing
• bobbing
• filing
• lacquering
• japanning
• slicking
• facing
• sandpapering
• brightening
• veneering
• scouring
• sandblasting
• sleeking
• lapping
• boning
• rasping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ruffling
• roughing (up)
• scuffing (up)
• roughening

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

• finishing
• completing
• perfecting
• finalizing
• accomplishing
• getting through
• consummating
• doing
• executing
• fulfilling
• improving
• achieving
• refining
• effecting
• performing
• sticking out
• enhancing
• carrying out
• machining
• shining
• amending
• enriching
• bettering
• ameliorating
• following through (with)
• discharging
• carrying through
• meliorating
• rounding (off or out)
• touching up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropping
• abandoning
• quitting
• discontinuing
• forsaking
• deserting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of polishing

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

The deceptively roomy, buttery-smooth leather style features a convertible crossbody strap, metal feet, interior pockets, and an outfit-polishing silhouette. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Prioritizing Features Over User Intent A common user experience mistake is polishing the surface instead of solving for the moment of intent. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Downstream lithography and ion implantation steps are also more demanding than for silicon, partly because SiC’s hardness complicates polishing and etch uniformity. — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

This is a popular hack for many cleaning professionals and can be especially effective at polishing faucets, lifting toothpaste residue, and removing water spots, all without the application of harsh chemicals. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 29 May 2026