as in polishes
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnishes
Verb
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In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026 -
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Complement your new set with a MAC lip liner and lipstick kit, which can be layered underneath either of the Yves Saint Laurent glosses.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
24 Dec. 2025
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There’s no denying that 2025 was a big year for blush blindness and a full-fledged renaissance of juicy lip combos—balms, glosses, stains, liners, and everything in between.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This might happen because antler rubs strip bark away, revealing lignin-rich inner wood that reemits the longer wavelengths in a way bark does not.—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Scientific American,
21 Jan. 2026
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Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The natural and black ash veneers both make for great contemporary canvases when putting together your dream bedscape.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
5 Feb. 2026
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Some of us had meticulous regimens (involving facials, veneers, and multiple hair and makeup trials) while others went with the flow (booking a hair appointment the day of).—
Jesa Marie Calaor,
Allure,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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It’s known for its precision nylon brush—more like a flat comb than a fluffy spoolie—that thoroughly coats, lifts, and lengthens each individual lash.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
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The most visible sign of this decay is the toxic white foam that now coats the surface, a thick layer of sewage and industrial waste that has formed over sections of the river.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Because authenticity weighs less than facades.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Street art from Latino/a and Indigenous painters covers more and more facades every day.—
Lizbeth Scordo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As a result, the product hardens, strengthens, and smooths brittle, peeling nails.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
9 Feb. 2026
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Sea buckthorn oil helps prevent breakage, while saffron smooths the hair cuticle to minimize frizz and fight humidity.—
Sarah Hoffmann,
Allure,
7 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Varnishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnishes. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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