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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Amie Parnes, The Hill, 27 Dec. 2025
There’s no British Tan burnished leather or stacked foam soles.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 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
Trump has also helped to keep Newsom in the heart of the news cycle, frequently taking aim at the Democrat while helping to burnish his brand as a fighter, Democrats say.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 27 Dec. 2025
There’s no British Tan burnished leather or stacked foam soles.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
Your 4th House of Traditions gleams under today’s Full Moon, so private needs are potentially straining against public duties.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
-
That smile could outshine the studio's gleam, the spark of resilience, hope and dream.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The constant friction of material rubbing on material wears the clothing out faster, so when there is more time, as in a regular or deep clean cycle, the garment fibers can wear down faster.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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The events occurred in and around the lawless border of Venezuela and Colombia, where spies, smugglers and gun runners rub shoulders and distrust their own shadow.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The sneakers come in 21 colors — but users can score them for 20 percent off in specific shades, including white and cielo blue, carnation and starlight glow, and droplet and druzy.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Clean fireplace glass regularly to maintain its glow and prevent soot or haze from hardening over time.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
According to Mohapi, the formula focuses more on soothing the scalp and supporting circulation rather than just adding shine.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
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The rooms Continuing the cool, minimalist palette, the majority of rooms are designed to let the outside view shine—with most Nafsika rooms facing the Aegean and featuring full-length sliding doors that lead to a terrace.—
Jemima Sissons,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As a result, this is not a last-minute, turn-up-and-go destination, but experienced tour operators can help smooth the path.—
Holden Frith,
TheWeek,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Check out more skin-smoothing K-beauty favorites below.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Nathan and everyone else here is ideally supportive; the sole negativity comes from the parents, who come off as rather one-dimensional caricatures of glint-eyed intolerance in their few scenes.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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Emily says with that familiar glint of evil in her eye.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Robitaille quickly picks her up, shooting a glare at her husband as their daughter begins to cry.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The glare from the sun had been reflecting in the lenses and distracting Smith.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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