as in polished
having a shiny surface or finish
bright burnished metal is used extensively in that boutique's decor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in rubbed
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 burnished
Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Seth Emerson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
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
Like all good bistros, this one serves a roast chicken as burnished as a penny, uncharacteristically earthy and sweet thanks to the funky, flavor-intensifying power of koji.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Here, Roald Dahl’s classic 1970 children’s book of the same name becomes a deeply charming (and incredibly star-studded) stop-motion adventure, bathed from top to toe in the reds, golds, and burnished oranges of fall.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
The incredible landscape is blanketed by deciduous forests, which are burnished with color in autumn.
—Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
The result is a resurgence that has burnished nitrous’s longtime reputation among users as a cheap, easy high — and one that has leaked out of concert parking lots and into the mainstream.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The space features details in burnished brass and canaletto walnut, which are intended to complement the Luxury Leisurewear offering.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
It has been burnished since, the latest evidence on Saturday.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
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
Like all good bistros, this one serves a roast chicken as burnished as a penny, uncharacteristically earthy and sweet thanks to the funky, flavor-intensifying power of koji.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Here, Roald Dahl’s classic 1970 children’s book of the same name becomes a deeply charming (and incredibly star-studded) stop-motion adventure, bathed from top to toe in the reds, golds, and burnished oranges of fall.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
The incredible landscape is blanketed by deciduous forests, which are burnished with color in autumn.
—Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
The result is a resurgence that has burnished nitrous’s longtime reputation among users as a cheap, easy high — and one that has leaked out of concert parking lots and into the mainstream.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnished
Adjective
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Shulman was equally polished in a cord blazer over a white shirt styled with suede boots.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Grid Stitch Quilt Give your bed a polished upgrade with this quilt from Joanna Gaines’ Target brand.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sontay rubbed his face and accepted the voluntary departure.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Tom rubbed the back of his neck.—
Bob Cary,
Outdoor Life,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
While Alberta Ferretti creative director Lorenzo Serafini's runway design featured glistening embellishments and more dramatic draping, the shoppable cape dress does not include an open back at all.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
19 Oct. 2025
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Ye Fan for The New York Times Caroline Palmer was telling the story of how she got hired at Vogue in 2001 when a waitress at Tierney’s Tavern plunked two pints of beer and a pile of glistening onion rings on the table between us.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The first is that the metallic fabric rightfully has a different texture (and potentially consistency) from the black, and that difference is glaring with that wide a stripe; reducing that width by a third or half would have smoothed that out.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The palate is rich with leather, oak, and dark fruit, smoothed by brown sugar and lifted by cherry brightness.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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However, safety is the top concern among users in the Reddit thread, with many reporting that their glossy or ultra-smooth floors are incredibly slippery, especially when wet.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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On Friday night, tennis superstar Serena Williams made a splash at the Princesa De Asturias awards ceremony, clad in a head-to-toe fiery red ensemble featuring glossy pumps.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Recently at the All’s Fair premiere in Los Angeles, the actress wore a glittery black-and-silver turtleneck top with short sleeves along with a sleek maxi skirt.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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Incorporating removable furniture, the design also adds to the vessel’s sleek profile.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Toss apples in a bowl with the honey and cinnamon until apples are coated.—
Kathryn Gregory,
Louisville Courier Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
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Add cream, chicken broth, and salt and stir until coated.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.—
Jasmine Washington,
Seventeen,
18 Jan. 2023
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From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.—
Isabel Garcia,
Peoplemag,
13 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Burnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnished. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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