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
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
The storytelling has an unfussy classical burnish that feels nicely scaled to its time and place.
—
Justin Chang,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Dec. 2023
ABC News,
9 June 2026
Still, like the other AI founders snapping up New York’s biggest and snazziest spaces, Gates may see a brick-and-mortar office as a way to burnish her company’s reputation or, in the language of Silicon Valley, court new investments.
—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Noun
Fretting that the fabled bash was losing its luster, Guiducci ordered up some major burnishes.
—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
The storytelling has an unfussy classical burnish that feels nicely scaled to its time and place.
—
Justin Chang,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Dec. 2023
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
Still, like the other AI founders snapping up New York’s biggest and snazziest spaces, Gates may see a brick-and-mortar office as a way to burnish her company’s reputation or, in the language of Silicon Valley, court new investments.
—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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Then buff the steel with a dry cloth, wiping in the same direction as the metal's grain to bring back that gleam.
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After a while, though, all the professions of sincerity and thanks, the constant invocations of the one true POTUS, and the worshipful exhibits upstairs give the whole place a cultish, nostalgic gleam.
Verb
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Dozens of media outlets, from international agencies to local TV stations to true crime podcasters, were inside the Lexington County courthouse to again chronicle every forehead rub and quizzical look from the once rich and imposing Southern lawyer.
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The bumper was rubbing the tire and a headlight looked to be dragging.
Noun
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From date night sightings and courtside appearances to red carpets, this era has brought a noticeable glow to her style.
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There are books and wine bottles as decor on the ledges, and a glow of warm lighting.
Verb
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Parker Kitternan was busy at the console of the church's pipe organ, polishing his musical tribute for the weekend.
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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.
Noun
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Smith and a sister took an early shine to cooking by watching their maternal grandmother, who watched them often while their mom worked.
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The acid in vinegar will help cut through soap scum on glass and acrylic doors, resulting in a sparkling shine.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Noun
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This glowing take on guava nails features green polish with a pink cat-eye glint.
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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.
Noun
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This variable star is also located 250 light-years from Earth, but is sadly lost from view in the glare of the sun during the summer months.
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Meanwhile, Warren’s second pitch of that plate appearance made for some chin music — more so than the one that Contreras walked on — and earned a glare from the batter.
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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