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
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
The rapper Jack Harlow burnished his artsy bona fides by logging slightly more interesting picks than expected.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 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
People can be skeptical when screen stars parachute into plays around Tony season to burnish their reputations.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
The rapper Jack Harlow burnished his artsy bona fides by logging slightly more interesting picks than expected.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
The chef Eric Ripert and his partner, Maguy Le Coze, understand that space and time are as much luxuries as the commitment to craft and decades of dedication that give each plate here a consummate gleam.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
But here the songs are crystal clear, with the clean surfaces and spick-and-spam gleam of a factory floor.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
These dogs may rub their eyes excessively due to discomfort and corneal ulcers can also develop.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
Pettis took out a paper towel and began rubbing the paints together on the easel.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Noun
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In the New Yorker, the writer Lawrence Weschler rhapsodized about the soft glow in the air here, day and night.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Tasseled lamps fitted with low-wattage yellow bulbs cast the rooms in a murky glow.—
Michelle Duncan,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The secret to staying polished on hot, sticky summer days?—
Jacquelyn McGilvray,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
-
While rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado constantly reinvent themselves, Nissan tends to take the long road by refining, tweaking, and polishing instead of blowing everything up every few years.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Ford has lost a little of its income shine; a short run of annual special dividends ended this year.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
-
Let the flavors of fresh summer corn shine by roasting it with plenty of fresh herbs and butter.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
8 May 2026
Verb
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For now, the Dolphins believe Proctor playing guard not only helps the Dolphins field their five best linemen, but also will smooth his transition to the NFL.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
-
His expression smoothed itself out.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The bright glint to the left is Venus.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Other communities, such as Malibu, have developed ordinances to reduce glare and artificial light, as has Joshua Tree National Park, a star-gazing haven that is designated an International Dark Sky Park.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Overhead on a dimmer plus task lamp to reduce glare and overstimulation.—
Alena Conley,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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