polish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of polishnext
1
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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2
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 How to pronounce polish (audio)
1
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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2
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
And the implementation here could use a bit of polish and rebalancing before it's extended to all of the game's test chambers. — Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025 Audrey bought starter polishes from the first launch of Simply Nailogical’s brand Holo Taco. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
The single-button power control is a favorite feature of our reviewer Williams, as well as the fluffy optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2025 If the slow cooker has a stainless-steel finish showing some streaks, rub a small amount of baby oil into the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and polish the stainless steel. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polish
  1. accomplishment
  2. gleam
  3. rub
  4. finish
  5. refinement
  6. glow
  7. smooth
  8. complete
Noun
  • Rebuilding the social fabric while transitioning to a new economy takes time, but 20 years in Huna Totem points to language revitalization among its accomplishments at Icy Strait Point.
    — Elaine Glusac, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Her career accomplishments included such honors as being included in the Marquis Who's Who listing of influential professionals.
    — Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • As Jarrett revisited that encounter, a gleam entered his eyes.
    — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • At about 100 times that distance, the optical gleam of Earth’s city lights would fade to black—better but still far short of even our next nearest star.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of gleam
Verb
  • Thinking fast, the kid rubs his fists in broken glass, instantly upgrading his wimpy, untrained knuckles into deadly weapons.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The seams don't rub, even with a heavy pack on, and the cut is roomy without being too baggy.
    — Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of rub
Verb
  • For much of that extraordinary season, when Newcastle also finished fourth in the Premier League, Isak and Wilson pushed each other on, but for the final, neither was in prime shape.
    — Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • By mid-April, Fresno residents can expect a few chilly showers before finishing the month with a rush of warm, sunny weather, according to the forecast.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of finish
Noun
  • Monitor the model’s performance in the wild and be prepared to make further refinements as needed.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Rather than the warm acoustical refinement of the famed Musikverein, the Vienna Philharmonic’s home, every orchestral utterance jumped out at the audience like a 3D special effect.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of refinement
Noun
  • Working with Anomalisa cinematographer Joe Passarelli, Johnson casts Paul’s experiences in a beguiling and ephemeral glow.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Her dewy glow didn’t just come from the tears shed after her win, but from the careful skin prep that laid the foundation.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Diversification can smooth the ride and mitigate the impact on investors when a high-flyer like Tesla hits turbulence.
    — Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The result is an indulgent, cooling formula that strengthens your skin barrier, smooths fine lines, and boosts your natural glow.
    — Deanna Pai, Allure, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of smooth
Verb
  • Other demands included: Enforcing existing disciplinary policies, such as completing disciplinary proceedings — expulsion or multi-year suspension — for pro-Palestinian student protesters.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Cabello completed her look with sheer black tights and pointed-toe black heels.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of complete

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“Polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polish. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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