1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of polishes
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
In one scene, her character polishes and admires the ring, allowing viewers a closer look at the remarkable stone.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations.
—Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.
—Rachel Garrahan, Vogue, 22 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
The vacuum has a fluffy optic cleaner head that not only cleans but also polishes hard floors.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
Remember the butler who polishes the shower?
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
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
In one scene, her character polishes and admires the ring, allowing viewers a closer look at the remarkable stone.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
The process polishes the gentle bonhomie that promises to transform even the smallest silences into celebrations.
—Archie Forde, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.
—Rachel Garrahan, Vogue, 22 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
The vacuum has a fluffy optic cleaner head that not only cleans but also polishes hard floors.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
Remember the butler who polishes the shower?
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes
Verb
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Give him lots of treats and belly rubs!—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
It can be added to marinades, soups, sauces, rubs, and is often on the table to be added to whatever dish is being served.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Edison finishes the regular season tied with Marina for third place in the league standings.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
-
By the time the trial finishes, Halioua may already have had the drug on the market for years.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Pro hairstylist Ryan Richman previously described this Briogeo cream as a lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
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The award can be used in any way that smooths a writer’s life or makes good work possible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The sentencing, handed down by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, completes the final prosecution tied to McKeever's death.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Miami-Dade Prosecutor Andres Perez argued Wednesday that the report should remain confidential until the State Attorney’s Office completes an investigation into Officer Garcia’s firing of his weapon.—
Brittany Wallman,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ngo coats the nail with a matte primer, which creates a smooth base, before buffing eye shadow across the surface with a nail sponge.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Algae coats the native eelgrass.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Polishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polishes. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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