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
Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
The company may also seek to burnish other areas of business.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 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
In exchange, the company burnishes its halo of high-mindedness, receives the right to feature famous works on its T-shirts, and gets to stage events in empty galleries or under an iconic glass pyramid, furthering the idea that its interests lie in Life as much as in Wear.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
The company may also seek to burnish other areas of business.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
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
-
My reflection is tall, perhaps rather like an arrow, my blond hair gleams.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Cut any branches that rub against one another or are crossed down to the ground.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
-
On the floor of their tiny makeshift home in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, her mother Fatima Begum feeds Sofiya by rubbing her gums with a food paste designed to treat severe malnutrition.—
Rebecca Wright,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
When proteins are modified, the glow provides a visual signal, letting researchers monitor biological activity without breaking open cells or adding disruptive chemicals.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Essentially the second tone knob engages an onboard distortion circuit, and when it's activated, a rendering of Godzilla on the pickguard glows and pulsates, the brightness varying depending on the gain levels.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Gone are the overtly yellowy, orangey tones and high-shine finishes.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The images and campaign film capture bright young things wearing high-shine clothing and accessories and partying with abandon.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The second photo was noticeably different from the first, instead showing a recent image of heavy machinery smoothing gravel where lush green grass once grew.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Want to smooth your hair without the heat tools?—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The tell shone in the glint of Bo Nix’s teeth after the plays that didn’t connect Sunday.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
-
With a permanent glint in his eye, Philip was the rock that kept Queen Elizabeth smiling.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Other drivers say morning glare can be a problem when heading east this time of year.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Oct. 2025
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Schottenheimer downplayed the impact, but said the staff has been preparing for the potential glare.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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