to make smooth and glossy, esp. by rubbing or friction

to polish a brass doorknob.

to render finished, refined, or elegant

His speech needs polishing.

to become smooth and glossy through polishing

a flooring that polishes easily.

Archaic . to become refined or elegant.

a substance used to give smoothness or gloss

shoe polish.

the act of polishing.

state of being polished.

smoothness and gloss of surface.

superiority of manner or execution; refinement; elegance

the polish of a professional singer.

polish off, Informal .

to finish or dispose of quickly

They polished off a gallon of ice cream between them.

to subdue or get rid of someone

The fighter polished off his opponent in the first round.

polish up, to improve; refine

She took lessons to polish up her speech.

noun

dullness

verb

dull , roughen , deface , ruin , spoil

noun

brilliance , burnish , finish , glaze , glint , gloss , luster , sheen , smoothness , sparkle , varnish , veneer , wax , breeding , class , cultivation , culture , elegance , finesse , grace , politesse , refinement , style , suavity , urbanity , shine , sleekness , elegancy

verb

brighten , burnish , clean , finish , furbish , glaze , gloss , rub , scour , scrub , sleek , slick , smooth , wax , amend , better , brush up , correct , cultivate , emend , enhance , make improvement , mature , mend , perfect , refine , round , touch up , buff , shine , retouch , luster

phrasal verb

consume , drain , draw down , eat up , expend , finish , play out , run through , spend , use up , devour , dispatch