burnish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of burnishnext
as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface after some much-needed polishing, the silver tea set had a brilliant burnish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

burnish

2 of 2

verb

ˈbər-nish How to pronounce burnish (audio)
as in to rub
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of burnish
Noun
Fretting that the fabled bash was losing its luster, Guiducci ordered up some major burnishes. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026 The storytelling has an unfussy classical burnish that feels nicely scaled to its time and place. — Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2023
Verb
The Obama Presidential Center opening June 18 also bodes well for tourism, both in burnishing the city’s image and creating a new attraction to draw domestic and international visitors to Chicago, Reynolds said. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 Ruto has burnished his ties with Western leaders. — semafor.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
  1. gleam
  2. rub
  3. glow
  4. polish
  5. shine
  6. smooth
  7. glint
  8. glare
Noun
  • The main camera is positioned so that Big Bear Lake gleams in the background, changing hue throughout the day.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Tucuma-seed and buriti oils soften the skin and boost its radiance for a subtle, youthful gleam.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Definition of gleam
Verb
  • If the bracelet and watch rub against each other, scratches can occur very quickly.
    — Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Rubbing Alcohol Head to the drug store for a bottle of 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean windows.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of rub
Noun
  • Place it atop a credenza to create a diffused glow throughout the room in lieu of harsh overhead lighting.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Don’t polish the life out of it before anyone gets to see it.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Some jobs that previously relied on hand craftsmanship but can now be automated made the top 10, including patternmakers and grinding and polishing workers.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips feeling smooth and hydrated.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The lightweight formula pairs olive, argan, jojoba, sunflower, and safflower oils with smoothing silicones to calm frizz and boost shine.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shine
Verb
  • Its stretchy, wireless design has extra coverage and smoothing side panels that create a cleaner silhouette without squeezing.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The formula includes lactic acid, a chemical exfoliator that breaks down dead skin, for a double dose of skin-smoothing power.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of smooth
Noun
  • There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Steve Gleason, co-founder of Crowfoot Range and a member of the Avimor neighborhood watch, was the first to point out the glint of a pickup truck on the far hill.
    — Noah Daly August 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of glint
Noun
  • In living rooms, televisions are often placed in locations where ambient light from the windows can cause visible glare.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The concept is basically like a solar eclipse; a coronagraph blocks out the glare of a star such that anything around that star can come into focus.
    — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of glare

Browse Nearby Words

burning (up)
burnish
burnished
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Cite this Entry

“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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