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Definitions

polish

[pol-ish] / ˈpɒl ɪʃ /
NOUN
shine, brightness
Synonyms
STRONG
brilliance burnish finish glaze glint gloss luster sheen smoothness sparkle varnish veneer wax
Antonyms
STRONG
darkness dullness
NOUN
cultivated look, performance
Synonyms
STRONG
breeding class cultivation culture elegance finesse finish grace politesse refinement style suavity urbanity
Antonyms
STRONG
crudeness ignorance
WEAK
dullness
VERB
shine, buff
Synonyms
STRONG
brighten burnish clean finish furbish glaze gloss rub scour scrub sleek slick smooth wax
Antonyms
STRONG
dirty dull upset
WEAK
deface roughen ruin spoil
VERB
improve performance, look
Synonyms
STRONG
amend better correct cultivate emend enhance finish furbish mature mend perfect refine round sleek slick smooth
WEAK
brush up make improvements touch up
Antonyms
STRONG
corrupt destroy reduce ruin worsen
WEAK
deface dull roughen spoil

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For all of his polish and shrewd instincts, he is still a relative newcomer to the world of international relations.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Ortiz says an Arlington police detective called him and asked what fingernail polish Cynthia had been wearing when she disappeared.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Desai and Lawrence aimed to create a polish that remains clear while also being safe for both users and manufacturers.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Margaret O’Brien’s miniature “juvenile” Oscar for “Meet Me in St. Louis” was taken by a housekeeper who offered to polish it but never returned.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

I’m used to saying I’m sorry for doing stupid stuff—like for spilling nail polish on the bedspread, or for hiding a bad grade I got on a math quiz.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper