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
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
In the footsteps of those dancing orphans roamed my students, burnished by tanning beds and clad in tiny shorts.
—Hazlitt, 11 June 2025
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
Land Rover is also hoping that the Defender Trophy burnishes the off-road credentials of the new Defender in much the same way that the Camel Trophy did with the old one.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
In the footsteps of those dancing orphans roamed my students, burnished by tanning beds and clad in tiny shorts.
—Hazlitt, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s energetic capital, golden spires of the Royal Palace gleam above the river, while visits to the Killing Fields reveal the city’s somber history.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Her maroon nails and gold Oura ring gleam in the dappled sunlight.—
Avery Stone,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Cats can rub against concrete to mark their territory and feel more secure because the scent lingers on the material longer than on smoother surfaces.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
23 July 2025
-
Again, once the Field School staff restrained the shark, the team of amateurs got to work quickly and efficiently, with the only mishap being a person who rubbed their fingers the wrong way against the shark skin and got an abrasion that drew a bit of blood.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
And even for those not yet affected by visible signs of aging—aka, those who were still in diapers when Elemis unveiled its pioneering Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in 2003—using collagen creams can help deliver that dewy glow that’s desirable at any age.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
30 July 2025
-
Hydration meets radiance—these luxe body oils deliver the perfect post-sun glow, just in time to soak up the last golden days of summer.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
Many Point Loma sailors are spending the short offseason competing with club teams to polish their skills.—
Noah Perkins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Unlike ultra-wide, frumpy, or super skinny styles, Lakshmi’s jeans are comfortable enough for daytime explorations yet polished enough to wear to dinner and cocktails.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
While Spider-Man and the X-Men both enjoyed some success in their early 2000 movies, Fantastic Four fans were not as fortunate, with a pair of joke-heavy movies released in 2005 and 2007 to mostly poor reviews, and a disastrous 2015 reboot that made the first two shine in comparison.—
Oliver Staley,
Time,
25 July 2025
-
The formulation also features vegan lactic acid to resurface the hair cuticle and lamellar liquid crystal technology for instant, light-reflecting shine.—
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
The paths are lined with larger stones, smoothed by the desert wind.—
Jihan Forbes,
Allure,
21 July 2025
-
Her long tresses were flat-ironed and smoothed down, brushing over the front of her shoulders.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Their depth is intensified by unexpected glints and metallic finishes.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The camera caresses her, slicing her body into limbs, arcs, glints of effort.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Jessica Simpson is finding peace, purpose — and her voice again — far away from the glare of Hollywood.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
-
It's been prominent for most of the year and will continue to be visible shortly after sunset for a few months, eventually becoming lost in the sun's glare in late November.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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