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
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
He became known for poaching clients, extracting heroic sums for their work, and burnishing their reputations abroad.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 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 Wolverines lost to Duke, burnishing the Blue Devils’ resume.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
He became known for poaching clients, extracting heroic sums for their work, and burnishing their reputations abroad.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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Around the corner is Alexander Calder’s 1964 fountain Three Quintains (Hello Girls), which has been lovingly restored and gleams in the early morning light.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
-
General Daily Insight for April 10, 2026 A friendly spark gleams over our current conversations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Until sound effects, tones, and grating atmospheres rub right up against the dialogue.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
24 Apr. 2026
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An employee washed hands for less than 10 seconds at the sushi bar, and the inspector wants to see 10-15 seconds of your hands rubbing each other.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But candlemania has gripped the world of interior design, as many crave the soft glow and more natural feel of candlelight, and holders become the ideal vehicle for decor expression without breaking the bank (in most cases).—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
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The serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients like glow-boosting niacinamide, firming peptides, and salmon DNA PDRN, a compound that hydrates and smooths while strengthening the skin barrier.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Players talented enough, polished enough and mentally wired well enough to survive almost any landing spot.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
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Triple Active Exfoliator features enzyme, acid, and physical exfoliants to gently but powerfully polish and smooth the skin, an amazing mask for face, neck and chest.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Metallic boots infuse some instant shine and glamour into an otherwise simple outfit, while a silver bag and gold jewelry ties everything together.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
20 Apr. 2026
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The theme also calls for high-shine elements, from all-over clear sequin embellishments to clear, metallic and chrome coatings.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Don’t rely on tone or timing to smooth it over.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Made with 61 percent cotton, 35 percent Tencel and 4 percent elastmultiester, the fabrics give garments a soft drape away from the body while maintaining the stretch, structure and smoothing properties.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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The bright glint to the left is Venus.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This model also includes cellular connectivity and Nano Texture Glass for the least glare of any tablet on the market.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
17 Apr. 2026
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Even polarizing lenses which can dramatically reduce glare, does so at the expense of cutting down on the light passing through the lens.—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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