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 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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing

Verb

Republicans are rubbing their hands in glee at the neocommunist advance in their opposing party.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Rather than rubbing the stain deeper into the fabric, blotting motions will gently remove as much product as possible.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

SoCal, despite finishing tied with Las Vegas, was the first team picked likely due to their top male Armaan Bhatia suffering a significant knee injury at their last event.

— Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
In October 2024, Whisenant and South Lake Tahoe climber Brant Hysell set a speed record on El Capitan’s Lurking Fear route, finishing in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds, according to a post on Whisenant’s Instagram account.

— Sophie Ziedalski, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of finishing

Verb

Brook actually recommends skipping volumizing sprays—which can make dense hair feel bulky—and instead smoothing a lightweight oil like Biolage All-In-One Multi-Benefit Oil through the lengths for shine and frizz control.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Aug. 2026
Whether or not motion smoothing metadata is needed is up to the content creators to decide (and for forum threads to debate).

— John Higgins, The Verge, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

As some of this work has encountered delays and other unique challenges, Sherwin-Williams has worked diligently with the PA DEP throughout the process and remains committed to completing these improvements and operating the facility responsibly.

— Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
After completing her debut studio album, Stranger in the Alps, Bridgers signed with the independent label Dead Oceans, which released the record in 2017.

— Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 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

Bourdain was doing all of the grunt work at the Flagship, scrubbing pots and pans, scraping plates, peeling potatoes, and cleaning shrimp.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Following the grain from top to bottom, wipe the shutters with the damp cloth, gently scrubbing any stains.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026