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 While a classic button-down shirt is always timeless, a peplum top offers the same wearability with a waist-defining silhouette that instantly polishes any bottom they’re paired with. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polishes

Verb

Vapor rubs containing combinations of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol oils may provide some relief for nighttime cough and cold symptoms when applied to the chest and neck.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
There’s a slickness to the carnage that rubs uncomfortably against the film’s humanist ethos, rendering artificial (for all Shen Teng’s trembling and mouth-contorting labors) the horrific tragedies that befall its characters.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rubs

Verb

Rugbys and polo shirts were also in the spotlight, while jeans, the foundation of the global wardrobe, got a glow-up through elaborate decoration, dyes, and finishes.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
The family’s application also asks the Supreme Court to take up the case before the Ninth Circuit finishes its review.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of finishes

Verb

The setup smooths the music’s flux without sacrificing the flavor of all the places and styles the album spans.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Finish with the lightweight Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum, which smooths frizz and dry ends with seven botanical oils, including argan, jojoba, and camellia.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of smooths

Verb

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 1 minute.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 9 Oct. 2026
The plush, balm-meets-mask formula coats lips in a comforting layer that keeps moisture from escaping overnight, with hyaluronic acid, minerals, and antioxidant-rich Berry Mix Complex helping soften dry, flaky skin.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026