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
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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
After 10 to 20 passes, repeat the same process on the ceramic polishing rods, if the sharpener has them.
—
Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
The program acts almost like a navigation map for individuals intent on entering the sector, from polishing resumes to grasping industry dynamics.
—William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Karen Roos and Koos Bekker of The Newt in Somerset, the eccentric country resort nearby, transformed this 1921 British Pullman into an elegant tea salon last year, polishing its mahogany marquetry and brass fixtures to a period gleam for a mix of Newt guests and village locals.
—Adam Erace, Time, 12 Mar. 2026
Remove all oil residue from the nail beds before polishing.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2026
Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners when cleaning and polishing wood flooring.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike other countries that merely export their commodities, Botswana has created jobs by developing a local diamond-cutting and polishing industry, alongside jewellery manufacturing.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
The program acts almost like a navigation map for individuals intent on entering the sector, from polishing resumes to grasping industry dynamics.
—William Jones, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Karen Roos and Koos Bekker of The Newt in Somerset, the eccentric country resort nearby, transformed this 1921 British Pullman into an elegant tea salon last year, polishing its mahogany marquetry and brass fixtures to a period gleam for a mix of Newt guests and village locals.
—Adam Erace, Time, 12 Mar. 2026
Remove all oil residue from the nail beds before polishing.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2026
Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners when cleaning and polishing wood flooring.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike other countries that merely export their commodities, Botswana has created jobs by developing a local diamond-cutting and polishing industry, alongside jewellery manufacturing.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing
Verb
-
Sara Aparacio, a resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow, equates scrubbing an appliance with an abrasive sponge to rubbing it with very fine sandpaper.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
-
People also can catch typhus by breathing in flea dirt or rubbing it into their eyes, the agency said.—
Don Sweeney
April 8,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
New Zealand's finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Alex Vesia struck out the side in the ninth for his second save, finishing a game that breezed by in 2 hours, 3 minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wire-free and closure-free construction for comfort with wide smoothing back and sides.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Not to mention, they’re made with 360-degree tummy control, waist-definition, and a back-smoothing design.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Homeowners can also request a more formal review by the county assessor by completing a County Board of Appeal and Equalization form.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
-
After completing the intense audition process, McDonald said he was ultimately sent home, a moment that left him questioning his path.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
These provide enough force for buffing out scratches without further damaging the surface.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Anything above 220 is considered fine and works well for smoothing edges and buffing the nail surface to a polished finish.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Abadi says scrubbing too aggressively is another common mistake.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
10 Apr. 2026
-
To use a melamine sponge to get rid of stubborn stains, simply wet the sponge lightly and get scrubbing.—
Aliyah Rodriguez,
The Spruce,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishing. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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