Synonyms for

Polishing

Verb / ˈpɑ:lɪʃɪŋ / Another word for polishing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make something smooth and shiny by rubbing it

Synonyms & similar words

smooth shine refine shining round down polishup finetune brushup roundoff polish smoothen buffing shining burnishing sanding smoothing rubbing grinding finishing glazing lustering brightening glossing furbishing scouring cleaning waxing varnishing lapping faceting planing

Synonyms by register

Formal

refining buffing burnishing finishing

Informal

sprucing up tidying shining up

Literary

gleaming lustering

Antonyms

dulling roughening marring soiling clouding denting

Common collocations

  • polishing shoes
  • polishing silver
  • polishing skills
  • polishing the surface
  • polishing a gem
  • polishing up an essay
  • polishing brass

Word family

noun polish
verb polish
adjective polished
adverb politely

Usage note

While 'polishing' often refers to making a surface shiny, it can also mean improving or refining something, such as skills or an essay. Be mindful of the context to understand the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. She is polishing the silverware before the dinner party.
  2. I like to polish my car to keep it looking new.
  3. He spent hours polishing his shoes for the wedding.
  4. The jeweler is polishing the diamond to make it sparkle.
  5. The floors in the hallway need polishing.

Quotes

  • Polishing is the act of touching a surface to make it shine.
  • Polishing is the art of removing imperfections from a surface.
  • Polishing gives a new shine to an old object.

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