Spit-polish is a term used to describe a very thorough and meticulous cleaning of an object. It is commonly associated with the military and traditionally means to shine or polish one's boots or shoes to a high degree of brilliance. There are several synonyms for spit-polish depending on the context in which it is used. Some of these synonyms include burnish, buff, gloss, shine, wax, and polish. These words all represent the act of giving something a smooth, lustrous, and reflective surface. In general, the synonyms for spit-polish imply a level of care and attention to detail that goes above and beyond the norm.