burnish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of burnishnext
as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface after some much-needed polishing, the silver tea set had a brilliant burnish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

burnish

2 of 2

verb

ˈbər-nish How to pronounce burnish (audio)
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

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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 burnish
Noun
Buchanan noted the hard bake, showing approval for the solid burnish on the outer layer. — Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026 Fretting that the fabled bash was losing its luster, Guiducci ordered up some major burnishes. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Trump has mentioned renaming his hometown station in his honor as he's sought to burnish his legacy through public works projects, from a massive new ballroom at the White House to a triumphal arch leading into the nation's capital. — ABC News, 9 June 2026 The company struck a wide-ranging deal with Shaquille O’Neal in 2015 that has helped the NBA great burnish his brand with consumer products, live events, content and more. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
  1. gleam
  2. rub
  3. glow
  4. polish
  5. shine
  6. smooth
  7. glint
  8. glare
Noun
  • Then buff the steel with a dry cloth, wiping in the same direction as the metal's grain to bring back that gleam.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • There’s a hyperreal gleam to Clerkin’s guitar—acoustic but with none of the grain, a coffee-shop Henry Kaiser—and her guitar parts appear and vanish at will, like errant loops scattered on a digital audio workstation.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 5 June 2026
Definition of gleam
Verb
  • An agitator is a post in the machine’s center that twists so the clothes can rub against each other, while impellers have a cone or disc on the bottom of the drum that spins.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026
  • Thyme When their essential oils are released and rubbed onto the skin, thyme plants, including creeping thyme, can help keep mosquitoes away.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026
Definition of rub
Noun
  • From date night sightings and courtside appearances to red carpets, this era has brought a noticeable glow to her style.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • There are books and wine bottles as decor on the ledges, and a glow of warm lighting.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of glow
Verb
  • Parker Kitternan was busy at the console of the church's pipe organ, polishing his musical tribute for the weekend.
    — Joe Holden, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Wear it with flat sandals for a beachfront dinner or add wedges and simple jewelry for an outfit that feels polished enough for a special occasion.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • The metal hardware adds another luxe touch and a bit of shine against simple outfits.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • With the excess oil left between your fingers, comb the rest through the midlengths to the ends to add shine.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
Definition of shine
Verb
  • The hair at the crown is smoothed back but not slick—in fact, there’s a decent amount of volume up top—with virtually no visible part.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 July 2026
  • Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of smooth
Noun
  • This glowing take on guava nails features green polish with a pink cat-eye glint.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • They were joined by a growing number of international rescue teams who began to climb through the rubble, offering a small glint of hope to anguished families.
    — Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Definition of glint
Noun
  • Harry and Meghan attended the queen's funeral, under the glare of the ever watchful British tabloids.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Mercury and Jupiter are now swinging behind the sun and are lost in the bright solar glare.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of glare

Browse Nearby Words

burning (up)
burnish
burnished
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Cite this Entry

“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on burnish

Nglish: Translation of burnish for Spanish Speakers

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