varnish 1 of 2

verb

Definition of varnishnext
as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish He varnished the table.

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varnish

2 of 2

noun

as in gloss

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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 varnish
Verb
Refinish the door with stain or varnish that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinet doors. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026 The coarsest grades of steel wool can strip paint or varnish and remove rust from surfaces. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Noun
To protect the delicate tissue from getting wet or being torn, a matte varnish was applied. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 The glass is inscribed—in lead wire, lead foil, oil, varnish, and dust—with diagrammatic imagery evoking machinery. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
  1. polish
  2. gloss
  3. rub
  4. veneer
  5. smooth
  6. camouflage
  7. coat
  8. glaze
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
  • Among them is his baby son, who rests in ‘infantile sublimity, exuding a high gloss induced by early death….
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That was a big thing that everyone in the salons would always be doing is getting the glosses.
    — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of gloss
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
  • Spirit’s team created a warm mahogany-and-veneer interior defined by curves, with details such as fore-and-aft berths, a shower, a galley, and an electric head.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The floor is finished in wood veneer with underfloor warming.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of veneer
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
  • Dad didn’t buy it at Walmart or Bass Pro alongside camouflage galoshes and fly-fishing rods.
    — Wilbert L. Cooper, Longreads, 25 Aug. 2026
  • From glosses and lowlights to temporary root sprays, there are plenty of ways to soften, blend or camouflage grays without signing yourself up for a standing root appointment every four weeks.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of camouflage
Verb
  • Add chicken back to sauce and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until chicken is coated and warmed through.
    — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Lift up pan from burner and pour ¼ cup batter onto one side, then immediately tilt pan and swirl batter to coat surface evenly.
    — Julia Sherman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of coat
Verb
  • Eyes glaze over when the subject strays too far from Memeworld.
    — Nick H. Penniman, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
  • Working with 1 cookie at a time, spread 1 tablespoon vanilla glaze over half of underside of cookie.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Definition of glaze

Browse Nearby Words

varmints
varnish
varnished
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on varnish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about varnish

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