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
Examples 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
Banana peels typically conjure images of someone slipping, but curiously, the thing that lends them their slippery reputation—naturally occurring wax—makes banana peels perfect for polishing metal items and removing scuffs from leather.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2024
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishing
Verb
-
Unfortunately for him, both of those campaigns ended with his teams finishing in 19th place and facing relegation into the Championship.Asif Burhan, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
-
After three straight seasons finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs, the Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith in January and replaced him with former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
This smoothing flatiron leaves strands looking pin-straight and glossy with an internal temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit to polish hair without frying it.Annie Blackman, Allure, 4 Oct. 2024
-
Powered by retinol and hyaluronic acid, the smoothing cream visibly firms and plumps the skin while offering a potent dose of hydration designed to last.Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
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, 14 Oct. 2024
-
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near polishing
Cite this Entry
“Polishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishing. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share