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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Dissimilar Words

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
Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects. — Sarah Linn april 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 In Pasto, a community gathers around varnishing — from old trade networks between harvesters, carpenters, and varnishers to fairs where artisans demonstrate their craft. — Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
Likewise, lacquer, varnish, and wood stains can deteriorate or form clumps when subjected to climate changes. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 Part of the high-wire act of such books is that the authors and their publishers work at unaccustomed speed to provide the end product with a history-as-it-is-happening varnish. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 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
  • 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
  • Sporting a classic, Georgian-style exterior, the home has been revamped inside by the acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler, who’s imbued the interiors with a sexy, high-gloss aesthetic.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
  • Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss Adds noticeable gloss and enhances tone with tinted options for different hair colors.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of gloss
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
  • Upgrading the grid with wood veneers.
    — Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Our suburban town of Kingston, across the Susquehanna River, had an optimistic, futuristic veneer with its new ranch and split-level houses and postwar adult toys like finned cars and color TVs.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
Definition of veneer
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
  • The resident of the house answered the door, and was met by a man wearing a gray sweatshirt and jeans, with a camouflage mask or bandana covering his mouth.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Some of them wear face paint, camouflage uniforms, and ghillie suits — ducking in and out of foxholes cut into the ground.
    — Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Definition of camouflage
Verb
  • But the real pleasure is the 303 basslines that squirm in between the drums, coating the soundscapes of the tracks in grime and noxious soot.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
  • Morning mist coated the nearby Rhone River that snakes through the Alpine valley as worshippers flocked in.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of coat
Verb
  • 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
  • Their eyes might glaze over, or fixate on some small detail that can be pocketed for future interpolation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Definition of glaze

Browse Nearby Words

varmints
varnish
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Cite this Entry

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on varnish

Nglish: Translation of varnish for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about varnish

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