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
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Recent Examples of polishing
Another highlight of my visit was experiencing Bastien's Manicure, an in-spa collaboration with nail-care specialists Bastien Gonzalez, which pairs meticulous cuticle work and a thorough massage with a natural nail-polishing technique that eliminates the need for nail polish entirely.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
There’s the difficulty of sintering and polishing the ceramic, and then there’s maintaining the purity of the look.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Every jewel undergoes eight rounds of polishing to achieve the mirror finish that has become her signature.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Dresses and jumpsuits are your most effortless avenue before adding polishing touches with jewelry and simple sandals.
—Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 24 May 2026
Slow down before polishing the life out of your point.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
Vinegar is one of the most versatile products in the pantry with uses that range from adding pep to coleslaw and barbecue sauce to protecting houseplants and polishing silver.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
While rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado constantly reinvent themselves, Nissan tends to take the long road by refining, tweaking, and polishing instead of blowing everything up every few years.
—New Atlas, 3 May 2026
Either way, regularly polishing your countertops will help keep your kitchen looking well-maintained and refreshed.
—Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
There’s the difficulty of sintering and polishing the ceramic, and then there’s maintaining the purity of the look.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Every jewel undergoes eight rounds of polishing to achieve the mirror finish that has become her signature.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Dresses and jumpsuits are your most effortless avenue before adding polishing touches with jewelry and simple sandals.
—Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 24 May 2026
Slow down before polishing the life out of your point.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
Vinegar is one of the most versatile products in the pantry with uses that range from adding pep to coleslaw and barbecue sauce to protecting houseplants and polishing silver.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
While rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado constantly reinvent themselves, Nissan tends to take the long road by refining, tweaking, and polishing instead of blowing everything up every few years.
—New Atlas, 3 May 2026
Either way, regularly polishing your countertops will help keep your kitchen looking well-maintained and refreshed.
—Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing
Verb
-
Speaking of harnesses, fliers put on a base layer like compression shorts to protect from rubbing, and costume designer Ryan Park designed clothes to hide and accommodate the harnesses.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
-
Cholowsky wrapped both his arms around the boy and lowered his head onto the crown of the blue helmet, absentmindedly rubbing his back.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
But the Goldeneyes struggled in their inaugural season, finishing sixth in the league standings.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
Following his time in Sacramento, Adelman coached the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing his coaching career after the 2013-14 season with a 1,042-749 record in 23 seasons.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The formula, which is infused with a vegan keratin smoothing complex and argan oil, promises up to 100 hours of frizz-free hair and up to 38% more light reflection, as well as heat protection up to 450 degrees.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
-
The Trouser Jeans are no different thanks to the wide pantlegs, smoothing waistband, and overall flattering fit.—
Ruby McAuliffe,
InStyle,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Yamamoto retired 22 consecutive Angels after Peraza’s triple, allowing no more baserunners while completing eight innings for the first time this season.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
-
Upon completing his 10-year NHL career and two games with Cincinnati of the World Hockey Association in 1978-79, Meehan returned to Buffalo to earn a law degree before joining the Sabres' front office in 1984 under general manager Scotty Bowman.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
For appliances and fixtures such as faucets, start by sprinkling baking soda onto a damp rag, and buffing the stainless steel gently to clean and brighten.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
11 May 2026
-
Keep one slightly damp microfiber cloth for cleaning and one dry microfiber cloth for buffing.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This bleach-free formula removes surface mold and mildew without scrubbing.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Before cutting into the fruit, make sure to give it a good wash, scrubbing it gently under running water.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishing. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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