1
as in accomplishment
a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts
acquired a great deal of polish during his year abroad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface
buffed the silver plate to a high polish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to rub
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to finish
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 polish
Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Ridley likes to create the base by blending different shades of cream and brown polish with a gradient brush (a thin nail brush with spiky bristles) to create the fur-like look and texture.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polish
Noun
Curing makes gel polish chip-resistant and gives it a longer wear.
—Tori Crowther, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Ridley likes to create the base by blending different shades of cream and brown polish with a gradient brush (a thin nail brush with spiky bristles) to create the fur-like look and texture.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
Spritz on just a little and polish with a rag or cloth to make the leaves of artificial plants shine, giving them the illusion of being real.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish
Noun
-
KidsFest activities will return for Sundays at Petco Park, with select Sundays throughout the home schedule dedicated to saluting different military branches, accomplishments and history.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
While heading to a Pro Bowl is always a great accomplishment, Sanders knows nothing is solidified for his role in 2026.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
When the action rises in intensity, this gleam gathers quickly to a fiery glow of tragic power.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Your 4th House of Traditions gleams under today’s Full Moon, so private needs are potentially straining against public duties.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After Landfair climbed into Kelly’s lap and rubbed his head — following the precise instructions Sparkle had given her — Kelly eagerly accepted her innocent request.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2026
-
But this one in particular rubbed him the wrong way.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But one accolade missing from their long list of achievements is Olympic ice dance gold, having finished just off the podium in fourth in Beijing.—
Michelle Bruton,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
After interviewing for multiple head coaching jobs this month, McDaniel agreed to join Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers, who finished their second straight 11-6 season under their veteran head coach with another playoff exit in the wild-card round.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This new suit also appears to be just the latest in Russian attempts to field-test new equipment without prolonged testing or refinement.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The service The staff does an excellent job of balancing the refinement of a luxurious resort with a sense of casualness.—
Asonta Benetti,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has the appropriate glint in his eye.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Williams showed up first, his white Giorgio Armani tuxedo accented by a glint of shining diamonds at the neck.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Contour seams enhance lifting, smoothing and comfortable compression.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Two stagehands were smoothing the surface with bladed scrapers.—
Bob Morris,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract was not completed and nothing had been announced by the team.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Eight seconds later, Iribarne made the first of two free throws to complete the Wolverines’ scoring.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polish. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
