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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The dark, burnished stew smelled faintly sweet.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 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
The federal case outlines an alleged scheme in which the Chinese used Wang to burnish their country’s image.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The dark, burnished stew smelled faintly sweet.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
From up here, San Sebastián gleams to the east, the sea stretches endlessly forward, and silence settles like an ancient cloak.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Yorkshire Pecorino gleams pale, smooth, and yogurty.—
Olivia Potts,
Longreads,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Once dry, rub a small amount of vegetable oil into the interior and exterior of the pan.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
4 June 2026
-
The administration’s decision to import large quantities of Argentinian beef has also rubbed many ranchers the wrong way.—
Justin Klawans,
TheWeek,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Upgrade to watch the full report Survival is the mother of invention, under the orange glow of computer processor fans and subtle overhead lighting.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Namely, glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture from the air and locks it into skin, and coconut oil, a fatty acid-rich skin softener that bestows instant glow.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Original frescoes were restored, marble was polished, and the color scheme was lightened up with a silver-and-blue palette accenting the white and cream walls.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
-
Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
March Madness gets all the shine, but June Madness is so criminally underrated.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
Schmidt likes Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil and OUAI Wave Spray for shine, softness, hydration, and frizz control, while Hayasaka reaches for Brilliant Glossing Styling Cream paired with hair oil to tame flyaways and restore shine to dry-looking hair.—
Kate Donnelly,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Fortunately, just then, Marijan entered the living room, with her hair smoothed down and her makeup reapplied, wearing a hand-stitched abaya from Mecca.—
Jamil Jan Kochai,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
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In turn, these ingredients will firm the skin, visibly smooth fine lines, impart a youthful glow, and provide deep nourishment.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Ings attacks every scene with a conspiratorial glint, the kind of presence who makes the camera feel lucky to have caught him.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
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In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The two were close in age and grew up together under the glare of sitcom fame.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
Shah’s closest ally (and the person most willing to call Shah on his lies to himself and others) is his cousin Zulfi, a gigantic character who Khan energizes with fast-talking charm, sarcastic asides, and an assessing glare that can cut through anyone’s defenses.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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