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 Sangare is not the finished product, but Brentford’s track record of finding and polishing young players with high potential casts this move in a promising light. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Born into a Krymchak Jewish family in Haifa and raised poor in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Bakshi entered the animation industry at just 18, polishing dirt from cels at Terrytoons. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 For many job seekers, writing another version of a resume or polishing a LinkedIn profile isn't the hard part. — Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 Under this law, employers are required to take steps to protect workers, such as providing protective respirators and using water to suppress dust, when employees are cutting, grinding or polishing slabs. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Ilham Aliyev continued his father’s dictatorial legacy, imprisoning his critics and enriching his family and cronies, while polishing his country’s image by hosting Formula One events and the Eurovision Song Contest. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing

Verb

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The forward has also trademarked his nickname ‘Cold Palmer’, a nod to his celebration, crossing and rubbing his arms as though to warm himself up.

— Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

After Keira Barry’s free kick attempt hit off the post, Girelli broke the deadlock in the 89th minute, finishing the rebound for the winner.

— Phuoc Nguyen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Burns held the 54-hole lead at Royal Birkdale last month before ultimately finishing two shots behind winner Ryan Fox.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of finishing

Verb

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
The combination bristles feel amazing on my scalp (like the best head scratch ever) while also smoothing my incredibly frizzy hair.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026