burnishing

verb

present participle of burnish
as in polishing
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 burnishing China has also entered the fray, with more of an eye to burnishing its image rather than undermining local politics. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026 And at a moment when the US is antagonizing allies and has yet to find a way to end its war on Iran that’s destabilizing the global economy, Xi has been burnishing China’s image as a responsible and dependable global leader. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026 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 Murdaugh’s father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather were each elected as top prosecutors in the region, burnishing a family reputation that eventually crumbled. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 13 May 2026 Shapiro brushed off questions — and Republican criticism — about burnishing his credentials for a White House run. — CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 He became known for poaching clients, extracting heroic sums for their work, and burnishing their reputations abroad. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Meghan signed with talent agency WME in April 2023, in hopes of burnishing her profile in the business. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026 And Willard’s overt emphasis on velocity led to serious gains in Boston, with the Red Sox burnishing their reputation for pitching development during his two years there. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnishing
  1. polishing
  2. rubbing
  3. smoothing
Verb
  • There may have been a time when hosting a holiday dinner meant pulling out every platter, polishing the silver, and making sure there were enough wine glasses for a small army.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of polishing
Verb
  • Separating small equipment, personal accessories, and emergency supplies can also help reduce clutter and prevent belongings from rubbing against one another.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After two consecutive championships and more than a decade of rubbing the rest of Major League Baseball’s noses in their extravagant wealth, the Los Angeles Dodgers were not going to be missed.
    — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of rubbing
Verb
  • Wireless, shaping and smoothing bra styles and underwear packs are also available.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The brand has also become a go-to for figure-flattering wardrobe staples that combine timeless designs and smoothing, comfortable fabrics that work with you rather than against you.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of smoothing

Browse Nearby Words

burnishes
burnishing
burn one's ears
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Cite this Entry

“Burnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishing. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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