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
Sarah Jampel,
Bon Appétit,
17 Dec. 2019
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
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
The cream turns into a rich sauce and the cheese gets bubbly-brown; the greens towards the top burnish (kale chips!) but those underneath stay silky-soft.
—
Sarah Jampel,
Bon Appétit,
17 Dec. 2019
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
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
-
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.
-
The bumper was rubbing the tire and a headlight looked to be dragging.
Noun
-
Like the living room, the bedroom is painted the same flat white but the quality of the eastern light filtering into the bedroom casts a buttery glow.
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By the end of the movie, even something as natural as daylight has become suffused with a heavenly glow, and the beads of sweat on a dying body sparkle with a beauty that Emily had never been able to find anywhere else in her tragedy of a life.
Verb
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For dressier occasions, platform sandals like Martha Stewart's go-to style offer comfort, support, and polish all in one.
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Through processing that polishes the individual wool fibers, the technology allows wool to have more luster, a softer hand feel, drape and elastic recovery.
Noun
-
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 formula uses argan oil, amino acids, and keratin-like proteins to smooth split ends, strengthen the cuticle, and boost shine.
-
If wrinkles and uneven skin texture are a concern, Korean serums can help smooth your complexion.
Noun
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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.
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They were joined by a growing number of international rescue teams who began to climb through the ruins, offering a 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 30 Jun. 2026.
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