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
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
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
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
Flagg burnished his credentials as the best player in college basketball, scoring 30 points with 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 28 Mar. 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
An audience Tag Heuer is keen to capture is young professionals, a demographic that has earning potential but also high motivation and a keen interest in burnishing every facet of it, from their professional tracks to their well-being and performance.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
Flagg burnished his credentials as the best player in college basketball, scoring 30 points with 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
This has been a gleam in scientists’ eyes for quite some time.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
1 May 2025
-
Witness Killian Maddox, a bodybuilder whose formidable muscles gleam under golden light.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This is an effective way to acknowledge foresight without rubbing it in, says Malka Shaw, a licensed clinical social worker in Nutley, N.J.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
-
But the act of gently rubbing castor oil into the abdomen may be soothing.—
Justin Laube,
EverydayHealth.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Yes Pros: Feels extremely lightweight on the skin; not scented; delivers a nice glow Cons: Not hydrating enough to replenish dehydrated skin One look at the Olive Young (a.k.a.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2025
-
We were both immediately captivated by the mood-setting glow of what seemed like hundreds of candles lit throughout the space.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The usual approach looks like this: find the job, polish your resume, hit apply, and hope for the best.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Under Ledru, Tiffany is polishing the brand by linking its legacy to the now.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Doses of sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide restore hydration, while lactic acid helps to unclog pores and control shine.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
2 May 2025
-
Others encouraged Banks to continue letting her beauty shine.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
The utility is also supporting emerging business models like charging-as-a-service, rideshare electrification, and curbside charging, while engaging with key stakeholders like the Taxi & Limousine Commission and city permitting agencies to smooth the path forward.—
Stacy Noblet,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Glycerin and panthenol help smooth and soften, while plant extracts like prickly pear support healthy-looking texture and shine.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The glint of the sun, gleaming light, on the tops, and shadow, darkness in the troughs.—
Casey Cep,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The light from the lake glints through the windows and falls across Marcus’s face.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The quiet reflection under the glare of recorders and TV cameras soon to air on the YES Network postgame occurred nearly an hour after the highly touted pitch failed him again.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Viewers are strongly advised to avoid looking at the sun's glare without safety eyewear to avoid irreversible eye damage.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share