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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.

His miniature fingernail polish paintings of everyday objects — a purse, a lipstick tube, a stiletto — are equal parts playful and macabre.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

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

There is something magical about seeing Ohtani polish off his first inning on the mound, then immediately grab a bat and head to the plate without ever stopping in the dugout.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

I’m sure they had a dresser with a tray of nail polish and a jewelry box full of bracelets.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor