VARNISHING Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

varnishing

verb

present participle of varnish

as in polishing

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

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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 varnishing Like most ’80s metal heroes who briefly lost their way in the late ’90s, Megadeth have spent the 21st century varnishing their legacy with what’s tried and true, delivering eight LPs since 2001 that all basically sound the same. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnishing

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

Verb

Electron beams replace ovens Ateios says the process enables coating speeds of 30 meters per minute across a 300-millimeter-wide web.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Locals and government officials were clearing debris and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town.

— Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of coating

Browse Nearby Words

varnishes

varnishing

vary

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

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Synonyms of varnishing

verb

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