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

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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

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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

Netflix has worked assiduously to burnish its reputation as a home for advertisers seeking to align themselves with its popular programs and eager to avoid the traditional model of deploying typical 30-second commercials. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Meta calls the suit an unprecedented cash grab by prosecutors looking to burnish their populist credentials with a public eager to pin the blame for flagging test scores and exploding teen anguish on the wealthy tech titan. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish

Noun

For the first time in a long time, the Chicago Bulls have a gleam about them.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Hansen delivers this not with gravity but with a gleam in his eye, proud of his big showbiz sell.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of gleam

Verb

One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Danger, Olivo, and Mosco had just eaten by the gazebo and Damaris was rubbing her pup’s head goodnight, about to go into the shack.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

It’s perfectly designed for sipping cocktails under the warm glow of the hotel's signature red canvas awnings and people-watching as Paris’s most chic inhabitants walk by.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Gonzalez’s Instagram portfolio features a collection of similar skin-first looks, each with its own distinctive glow; the artist often favors radiant complexions over matte finishes.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

The ula fala is a traditional Samoan necklace made from dried parts, called keys, of the tropical pandanus plant that are polished then strung into a necklace.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
Outside the shows, that same polished-but-not-too-polished approach was everywhere, with fashion week attendees trading traditional suits for more relaxed takes on the look.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

The fragrance-, oil-, and silicone-free formula is geared towards oily or combination skin dealing with shine, congestion, and post-breakout discoloration.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
To accessorize, the socialite donned an array of Pasquale Bruni designs on her fingers and around her neck, all affixed with high-shine gold and diamonds galore.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

This flattering style smooths the neck, concealing wrinkles and adding definition to the jawline by hiding a double chin or loose skin.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 11 Sep. 2026
These include load smoothing, low-voltage ride-through, demand response and grid stabilization.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of smooth

Noun

There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Steve Gleason, co-founder of Crowfoot Range and a member of the Avimor neighborhood watch, was the first to point out the glint of a pickup truck on the far hill.

— Noah Daly August 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of glint

Noun

And the manner in which the Tigers lost Friday again casts a harsh glare on a bullpen that has been this team’s weakness all season.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
One probe is examining the software’s role in several Tesla crashes in fog, sun glare and other low-visibility conditions, including one in which a pedestrian was killed.

— Bernard Condon, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of glare

Browse Nearby Words

burning (up)

burnish

burnished

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“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of burnish

noun

verb

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