POLISH Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

polish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of polish

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

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gleam

brightness created by light reflected from a surface buffed the silver plate to a high polish

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polish

2 of 2

verb

ˈpä-lish

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

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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

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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

Noun

Top the finished design with a protective coat of clear polish. — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026 The design is clean and understated, but the metallic finishes around the neck give it just enough polish than your everyday bottle. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Style an antique brass fixture as a real focal point, in an entryway or over a dining table, and let its imperfect, aged patina be part of the charm rather than something to polish away. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 18 Aug. 2026 Whether styled with a matching linen top, a lightweight blouse, or thrown on as a swimsuit cover-up en route to the beach club, these versatile pants make looking polished as easy as ever. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish

Noun

It’s often said that great athletes struggle to talk about their sport and their accomplishments.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
McGuiness’ in-ring appearances have been few and far between but getting back in shape to make it through to the end is an accomplishment in and of itself.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of accomplishment

Noun

As mills experiment with luxury materials and new technologies, denim is being reimagined with a greater emphasis on tactility, refinement and elevated performance—while still preserving its core identity.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
This means moving beyond passive consumption and toward a rigorous, iterative process of trial, error, and refinement.

— Jason Corso, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of refinement

Noun

There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Steve Gleason, co-founder of Crowfoot Range and a member of the Avimor neighborhood watch, was the first to point out the glint of a pickup truck on the far hill.

— Noah Daly August 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of glint

Verb

Investors should also not underestimate the smoothing effect of SpaceX's inclusion into major indexes like the Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000.

— Oliver Renick, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The lightweight formula is packed with vitamin E and niacinamide to plump and smooth your complexion while simultaneously protecting it.

— Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of smooth

Verb

The deal with Porsche will be effective once the Indian software giant completes the acquisition of MHP, which employs around 4,500 people.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Forward Romain Esse had been nearing a move to Club Brugge but that deal has not been completed.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026