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
Relevance
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
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
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
-
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
-
Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, is among those in line to replace Antonio Guterres, whose term finishes at the end of the year.—
Peter Martin,
Bloomberg,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Honor also had robots secure the second and third place finishes in the race.—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Keller completes sweep of Boswell, on to area Avery Lawton blasted a grand slam in the first inning and drove in 5 runs to lead Keller to a 9-3 win over Fort Worth Boswell in Game 2 of their Class 6A Division 2 bi-district series on Thursday night at Saginaw High School.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
-
After the inspector general completes his report, Pirro said her office will review it and could restart its criminal probe if warranted.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
24 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 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
