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

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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 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 The investment of time and money put into excavating and polishing a skeleton such as Gus would not be possible, according to Hatton, without the prospect of a high-value sale. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 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 Microfiber is also often the better choice for effectively trapping dust and polishing surfaces without the risk of leaving behind lint or scratches. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing

Verb

Schmitt was visibly shaken up and could be seen rubbing his left knee in discomfort.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
About 30 seconds under running water, while gently rubbing the produce with your hands, does far more than a passive soak.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

August 1968 was quite the whirlwind month for the blond, blue-eyed Peaker, who was finishing up on 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of Hello, Dolly!

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026
After a back nine defined by exceptional routing that utilizes prevailing wind patterns effectively, Torre closes with a memorable par-4 finishing hole that demands one final decision.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of finishing

Verb

Energy storage systems such as batteries play a pivotal role in smoothing renewable intermittency by absorbing excess solar and wind generation and dispatching it when production dips.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 July 2026
At less than $30 apiece, the kit has two smoothing lotion bars and a chic bamboo canister for storage.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 July 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

Rather than treating it purely as a security risk to be managed, organizations can instead treat verified AI agents as a legitimate new commerce channel—one that’s authenticated, accountable and fully capable of completing transactions.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Students could spend four years completing an engineering degree in a new field without a clear licensure path waiting for them at the end.

— Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of completing

Verb

Most people use the miracle sponge for buffing out wall or floor scuffs, but Macqueen’s recommendation is an eye-opener.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Definition of buffing

Verb

SpaceX is planning to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites into low orbit on Tuesday after scrubbing the mission before takeoff on Monday.

— Lora Kolodny,Samantha Subin, CNBC, 21 July 2026
For hard-to-remove dirt, let the soapy solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026