as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface
after some much-needed polishing, the silver tea set had a brilliant burnish
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burnish
Caleb Crain, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Perhaps the open roasting caused the sugar to caramelize, adding a slightly bitter burnish that mitigated the awful sweetness.
—Mimi Sheraton, The Seattle Times, 25 Sep. 2018
Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024
In the waning days of Biden’s presidency, his administration is attempting to burnish the Biden Healthcare Legacy.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for burnish 
Noun
As each streetlamp passed, the burnish of its reflected light rolled up alongside them on the asphalt, like a dolphin curious about a new boat in her waters, and then veered away.
—Caleb Crain, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Perhaps the open roasting caused the sugar to caramelize, adding a slightly bitter burnish that mitigated the awful sweetness.
—Mimi Sheraton, The Seattle Times, 25 Sep. 2018
Verb
Jones’s gripping performance garnered immediate buzz after the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival this summer and was further burnished last week with a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actress.
—Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024
In the waning days of Biden’s presidency, his administration is attempting to burnish the Biden Healthcare Legacy.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
Unlike other stick foundations, this one delivers a satin finish that achieves a radiantly smooth gleam IRL.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
31 Dec. 2024
-
In workplaces near and away, empty cubicles gleam and Zoom calls hold sway.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
For stains that have had time to settle in, gently rub the spot with toothpaste or baking soda.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Wash gently: Use a soft washcloth when cleansing your baby’s face, and do not rub the skin.—
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH,
Verywell Health,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
It's packed with rice powder, a chef's kiss of skin-loving enzymes and vitamins (A, B2, B12, and E) that soften, brighten, and give your skin a plump, healthy glow.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2025
-
When touched, its hood and tail glow with a constellation of blue-green dots like an underwater planetarium.—
Jude Coleman,
Scientific American,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The stage is set for a celebration of artistry and innovation that polishes LVMH’s prominence in the world of luxury timepieces.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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For the 27-year-old singer-rapper, that’s meant releasing a string of singles, polishing up a debut album, delivering show-stopping performances and making her acting debut in Mike White’s White Lotus.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense shines vs. Centennial The Burleson Centennial girl’s basketball team was playing for its playoff life on Friday night, Jan. 24.—
Charles Baggarly and,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Jan. 2025
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The formulation is enriched with hyaluronic acid and black rose oil to optimize skin’s moisture levels, plus bamboo powder to quell excess shine.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The buttery stick shadow—which provides eight-hour wear—is infused with collagen to smooth and firm the eyelids.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The products effectively target signs of aging thanks to powerful formulas that contain ingredients like caffeine, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin F, and other proprietary blends that smooth uneven skin tone, dullness, and wrinkles.—
Taylor Lane,
Flow Space,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But for some politicians, there may be a glint of silver lining in those dark smoke clouds — an opportunity to reach out to frustrated voters with a message of change.—
Andrew Sheeler,
Sacramento Bee,
14 Jan. 2025
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Then, shine a flashlight over the area, including the soles of your shoes, which will catch glints of any remaining glass that needs to be picked up.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
By the end of February, Saturn will be obscured by the glare of the sun.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
-
Most North American observers will be able to watch as the moon passes in front of more than a few stars in this cluster (called an occultation) within a few hours, amid the dazzling lunar glare.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
9 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near burnish
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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