as in polishing
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Recent Examples of varnishing
Like most ’80s metal heroes who briefly lost their way in the late ’90s, Megadeth have spent the 21st century varnishing their legacy with what’s tried and true, delivering eight LPs since 2001 that all basically sound the same.
—
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnishing
Verb
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After 10 to 20 passes, repeat the same process on the ceramic polishing rods, if the sharpener has them.—
Jesse Raub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Mar. 2026
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The program acts almost like a navigation map for individuals intent on entering the sector, from polishing resumes to grasping industry dynamics.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The slightly higher cut helps prevent sneakers from rubbing your ankle or the top of your foot.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2026
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So, the timing for Mortensen to be making his second show debut right as his ex’s is being pulled off the air is rubbing fans the wrong way.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Scrape batter into prepared baking sheet and, using a medium offset spatula, gently spread to edges, smoothing surface.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
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Even better, many leave-in conditioners and hair milks not only boast hair-smoothing benefits, but also heat protection.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The sun is shining brighter, our days are a little longer, and the pollen is coating things as far as the eye can see.—
Joy Harden Bradford,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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The inspector noticed an expired permit on the wall, a slime coating on the ice chute of the ice machine and disposable cups stored on the floor.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Varnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnishing. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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