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
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
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
In exchange, the work burnishes the firm’s reputation and serves as a draw for idealistic young associates.
—Molly Redden, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 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
Smart founders understand how a solid PR strategy can both burnish a brand’s image in the moment and establish its reputation over time.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
In exchange, the work burnishes the firm’s reputation and serves as a draw for idealistic young associates.
—Molly Redden, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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To the west, Puerto Banús gleams with superyachts and designer boutiques—just minutes away by car or bike.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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That’s why using the right tools and techniques is key to maintaining its signature gleam.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Dip a paper towel or cloth in the jelly, then rub a thin layer all over the surface.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
And while it was expected the two sides would part ways this offseason, first-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn rubbed Rodgers the wrong way after an awkward meeting between the two to discuss their future together.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Lit Ghost Cloche Add a small but impactful touch of Halloween with these little ghost cloches that add an eerie glow to coffee tables, shelves, and countertops.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
-
For the Grad School Queens and Teachers Whether she’s headed back to school for her master’s or ruling the classroom, the women returning to academia deserve a beauty routine that supports her grind without sacrificing her glow.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Given their stature, facilities and squad, this team is a rough diamond waiting to be polished.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Plenty of brands already offer or are transitioning to TPO-free formulas that contain different photoinitiators (a chemical that makes gel polishes cure under a lamp instead of air-drying like regular polish) such as TPO-L, BAPO, or other resin initiators.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But in 2025, the promise of a degree seems to have lost much of its shine.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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These tiles are highly sought after for their rich colors, signature shine, and imperfect, handmade forms.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The bottoms feature a wide, high-waistband for a smoothing appearance and are subtly flared at the hem, offering a leg-lengthening look.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
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Infused with amino peptides to firm and smooth the skin, niacinamide to nourish the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid for a plumping touch, Olay’s lifting cream offers moisture with an extra dose of rejuvenating benefits.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The glint and thrum of Y2K aesthetics—as contrasted with the droning conservatism of the white-collar office—read as anticipatory rather than melancholic, looking toward a future liberated from systems of old.—
Lauren Michele Jackson,
New Yorker,
23 Aug. 2025
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Newman plays Reggie with a permanently mischievous glint in his eye and a schemer’s grin.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The overwhelming success of the book and the resulting media glare opened a divide between them.—
Anderson Tepper,
The Atlantic,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Mercury was part of it during August, but has since sunk back into the glare of the sun.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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