as in rubs
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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Recent Examples of burnishes
At a time when Erdogan is struggling to resolve the country's growing economic problems, responding to Netanyahu's statements harshly scores points domestically and burnishes his strong leader image.
—
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The contract, further enmeshing JPMorgan with a dominant tech player, burnishes the bank’s reputation as a leader in American finance.
—Hugh Son,leslie Picker,laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
Unconcerned by matters like health insurance and 401(k) contributions, her presence burnishes the reputation of the magazine as an arbiter of good taste.
—New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
In exchange, the company burnishes its halo of high-mindedness, receives the right to feature famous works on its T-shirts, and gets to stage events in empty galleries or under an iconic glass pyramid, furthering the idea that its interests lie in Life as much as in Wear.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The contract, further enmeshing JPMorgan with a dominant tech player, burnishes the bank’s reputation as a leader in American finance.
—Hugh Son,leslie Picker,laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
Unconcerned by matters like health insurance and 401(k) contributions, her presence burnishes the reputation of the magazine as an arbiter of good taste.
—New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
In exchange, the company burnishes its halo of high-mindedness, receives the right to feature famous works on its T-shirts, and gets to stage events in empty galleries or under an iconic glass pyramid, furthering the idea that its interests lie in Life as much as in Wear.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnishes
Verb
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The plastic bristles coax out loose hair as your cat rubs against it.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
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Expect wagyu brisket, lemon-zested ribs and rubs with hints of curry or tandoori.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 2026
Verb
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From there, Sharrow thins down its propeller to precise specification with a five-axis CNC machine and polishes it.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 Apr. 2026
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Their bestselling Regenerating Cleanser gently polishes away impurities and dullness to reveal a healthy-looking, radiant glow, clinically proven to make skin look brighter, smoother, more hydrated and pores look smaller.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That combination slows digestion, smooths blood sugar, and provides steady fuel without the heaviness of a second meal.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2026
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Check out this conditioner that smooths and softens strands while adding a bit of shine, so your hair looks healthier without a ton of effort.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rolling into a different NBA city each time, the trio explores the culture of the town, learns about the team that calls it home and shines the spotlight on one of its standout players.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
22 May 2026
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Eva Longoria shimmers and shines in a gorgeous maroon dress with cutouts at the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 19.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishes. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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