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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Its investment in digital skills training has burnished its reputation across the continent as a company willing to provide long term partnership.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 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
Darker options—like black or burnished gold—are sleek and moody, while natural wood frames feel organic and warm.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Its investment in digital skills training has burnished its reputation across the continent as a company willing to provide long term partnership.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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Even when the jewelry was supplied by the studio, its gleam had to match the personality of the characters portrayed.—
Lynn Yaeger,
Vogue,
19 Oct. 2025
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My reflection is tall, perhaps rather like an arrow, my blond hair gleams.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The constant friction of material rubbing on material wears the clothing out faster, so when there is more time, as in a regular or deep clean cycle, the garment fibers can wear down faster.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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The events occurred in and around the lawless border of Venezuela and Colombia, where spies, smugglers and gun runners rub shoulders and distrust their own shadow.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The ash of the cigarette glows in the darkness of the truck.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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Carrots' pigments can help give you a healthy glow and protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.—
Barbie Cervoni,
Verywell Health,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Glass cleaners contain ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, ammonia, or vinegar that evaporate quickly to leave a streak-free shine behind.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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The maximalist Belle platforms featured a semi-sheen finish, which complemented the slight shine of her dress.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Its style was in many ways a refinement of the final run of Diablos, smoothing and polishing the old car’s edges while adding strength and modernity to the design.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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Gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up time by 10 to 15 minutes over several nights can help smooth the transition and get everyone back on schedule.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Nathan and everyone else here is ideally supportive; the sole negativity comes from the parents, who come off as rather one-dimensional caricatures of glint-eyed intolerance in their few scenes.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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Emily says with that familiar glint of evil in her eye.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Caesar and Coca were soon joined on the show by the diminutive Howard Morris, whom Caesar could hoist from the ground and glare at face to face, and by Carl Reiner, tall like Caesar but as happy as Sid was miserable—the ideal second banana.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
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Despite the glare, the family had smiles on their faces, with Diana lovingly holding Harry's hand.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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