VARNISH Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

varnish 1 of 2

verb

Definition of varnish

as in to polish

to cover (something) with varnish He varnished the table.

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

varnish

2 of 2

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

Verb

Especially now, younger kids are so immersed in social media and people are trying to fabricate themselves or polish and airbrush their lives and appearances.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Each refillable case secures with a satisfying magnetic closure, and is polished with an alabaster finish.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

Both also received high-gloss visual treatments, the former starring Nicole Kidman and the latter narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, aka Gandalf.

— Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
There will always be people who prefer a traditional lipstick over a gloss or whatever gloss-balm-stain fusion is trending.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of gloss

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
Just before dusk, four or five does walked under the tree, and then a four-point buck followed, stopping beneath me to rub his antlers on a bush.

— Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

American soldiers gather at a border monitoring post in Roma, Texas, where an infantry vehicle with camouflage netting sits between houses.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Under-eye correctors (aka concealers with a peachy or orange hue) effectively neutralize and camouflage blue undertones that often show through the thin skin area.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of camouflage

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varmints

varnish

varnished

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnish

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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