POLISHES Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

polishes

verb

present tense third-person singular of polish

as in rubs

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 finishes

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 polishes The PowerPaste polishes and protects more delicate surfaces, while the Tangerine Clean is more abrasive for serious scrubbing. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 Through processing that polishes the individual wool fibers, the technology allows wool to have more luster, a softer hand feel, drape and elastic recovery. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 4 June 2026 Sheer jelly polishes create a seamless ombré effect. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 2 June 2026 From there, Sharrow thins down its propeller to precise specification with a five-axis CNC machine and polishes it. — New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026 Their bestselling Regenerating Cleanser gently polishes away impurities and dullness to reveal a healthy-looking, radiant glow, clinically proven to make skin look brighter, smoother, more hydrated and pores look smaller. — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations. — Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes

Verb

Edward rubs his lamb with turmeric, Aleppo chile powder, salt and pepper.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
The nurse rubs circles on her lower back, clucking at the struggle of turning the pregnant body to the side like a lopsided gourd.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Definition of rubs

Verb

Sunday’s race completes his season, as there are no world championships being held in 2026.

— Jim Barnes July 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026
If the deal has not closed after September 30, additional consideration begins accruing daily at a rate equivalent to 25 cents a share every 90 days, payable when the transaction eventually completes.

— Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of completes

Verb

They’re formed when a grain of grit enters an oyster’s shell, and the mollusk coats that irritant with layer after layer of nacre.

— ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Bring to a low boil, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce coats the chicken bites.

— Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 19 July 2026