BURNISH Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

burnish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of burnish

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

burnish

2 of 2

verb

ˈbər-nish

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of burnish

Noun

Fretting that the fabled bash was losing its luster, Guiducci ordered up some major burnishes. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026 The storytelling has an unfussy classical burnish that feels nicely scaled to its time and place. — Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2023

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

The first hotel opened by the Orient Express group, its design gleams with contemporary comfort while still referencing the history of this world-famous train.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Made from mulberry silk with a satin finish, the dress has a natural gleam and catches the light just a touch, setting it apart from other styles in the room.

— Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of gleam

Verb

But the comfort extends beyond the insole, as the soft fabric straps help prevent rubbing while also lending the sandals a more elevated look.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Known for her dry humor and blunt honesty, Jeana has a tendency to rub her castmates the wrong way by saying exactly what’s on her mind.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

Your 5th House of Creativity and Play glows as Venus forms an effortless trine to Chiron in your sign, encouraging pleasure that supports personal healing.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Tipping my hat to whoever’s responsible for the shot of Sugar checking behind his back, into the darkness as the greenish-white glow of the computer screen reflects in his eyes, giving the impression of those turquoise alien eyes flashing in fear.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

Set near the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the restaurant delivers scale, confidence, and polish without falling into the usual steakhouse performance.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
The investment of time and money put into excavating and polishing a skeleton such as Gus would not be possible, according to Hatton, without the prospect of a high-value sale.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

The dark metallic hue of the upper offered an understated shine to complement Zendaya’s spring 2008 Alberta Ferretti dress.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, and Ferragamo went for high-shine metallic and patent leather skirts, while Chanel, Dries Van Noten, and Bottega Veneta offered up frilly, fringey texture.

— Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026

Definition of shine

Noun

This glowing take on guava nails features green polish with a pink cat-eye glint.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
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.

— Regina Cano Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Definition of glint

Noun

Sunglasses for your little one can protect their eyes and reduce glare—just make sure that the label states that the lenses block at least 99% of ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation.

— Nancy Mattia, Parents, 8 July 2026
In the glare of the intense summer sun, the Indian Pacific had a reflective, chromatic glow.

— Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of glare

Browse Nearby Words

burning (up)

burnish

burnished

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of burnish

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on burnish

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

quid pro quo

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes