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
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Recent Examples of burnished
Amisha Gurbani, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Apr. 2026
Instead of needing to overcome the one-time stigma of tiny Gonzaga, Lloyd enjoyed a burnished reputation, having spent so much time with inarguably one of the standard bearers of the sport.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
In contrast, with a GLP-1, people might be more inclined to take them because of their burnished reputation.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
Stock up on lumbar and throw pillows with geometric motifs and flannel and denim bedding, burnished brass, and suede elements.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
His voice sounds burnished and vital, never tired.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Decked with cashmere curtains and burnished-leather bed frames, the guest rooms offer breathtaking mountain views and Western authenticity.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Warmer, more distinctive finishes such as burnished brass, bronze, and mixed materials are replacing matte black.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Mango Luisa Penny Loafer The Mango Luisa Penny Loafers put a refined spin on the wardrobe classic thanks to the burnished leather and moc-toe silhouette that’s polished and effortless.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
The war has widely been viewed has having burnished Beijing’s global standing, positioning China as a cornerstone of stability.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
Wilson burnished his Hall of Fame resume with the Seattle Seahawks.
—Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 1 May 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
Pakistan’s credentials have been burnished, too.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026
Millions of Monarchs hang from the trees like frostbitten leaves the underside of their wings exposed, burnished, and bronzed.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
The surface appears slightly mottled or burnished, giving it the feel of something that’s been hand-made and used for years.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
The foothills in the distance become burnished in the golden hour’s fading light.
—Audrey T. Williams, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Unlike traditional cheesecake, which is baked low and slow in a water bath for a smooth, dense finish, Basque cheesecake embraces rustic charm with a burnished top, cracks and all.
—Amisha Gurbani, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Apr. 2026
Instead of needing to overcome the one-time stigma of tiny Gonzaga, Lloyd enjoyed a burnished reputation, having spent so much time with inarguably one of the standard bearers of the sport.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
In contrast, with a GLP-1, people might be more inclined to take them because of their burnished reputation.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
Stock up on lumbar and throw pillows with geometric motifs and flannel and denim bedding, burnished brass, and suede elements.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
His voice sounds burnished and vital, never tired.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Decked with cashmere curtains and burnished-leather bed frames, the guest rooms offer breathtaking mountain views and Western authenticity.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Warmer, more distinctive finishes such as burnished brass, bronze, and mixed materials are replacing matte black.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Mango Luisa Penny Loafer The Mango Luisa Penny Loafers put a refined spin on the wardrobe classic thanks to the burnished leather and moc-toe silhouette that’s polished and effortless.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
The dark, burnished stew smelled faintly sweet.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 6 May 2026
The war has widely been viewed has having burnished Beijing’s global standing, positioning China as a cornerstone of stability.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
Wilson burnished his Hall of Fame resume with the Seattle Seahawks.
—Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 1 May 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
Pakistan’s credentials have been burnished, too.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026
Millions of Monarchs hang from the trees like frostbitten leaves the underside of their wings exposed, burnished, and bronzed.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
The surface appears slightly mottled or burnished, giving it the feel of something that’s been hand-made and used for years.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
The foothills in the distance become burnished in the golden hour’s fading light.
—Audrey T. Williams, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnished
Adjective
-
This approach allows other design elements, like furniture and decor, to stand out while maintaining a harmonious and polished aesthetic.—
Macie Stump,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
In Mayfair, amid art galleries, private clubs, and five-star addresses, a new ritual is playing out behind noren curtains and polished doors.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The girl buried her head into Blair, who rubbed circles on her back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
-
The savory chili-garlic oil rubbed on the baby eggplants make these an irresistible snack that are perfect light bites for all to enjoy.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Marcloid may often employ the sonic language of misery and darkness, but her glistening synths, rubbery rhythms, and radioactive colors transform a raging storm into an expression of radiant, high-definition joy.—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
8 May 2026
-
The entry foyer, with its vaulted ceiling and glistening floor, is welcoming and impressive.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
Miriam smoothed a hand over her lace buba.—
‘Pemi Aguda,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
-
Whatever is left can be smoothed across the rest of the head.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Anonymous Copenhagen, long known for its streamlined flats and occasion heels, has also emerged as a key player in the category, reinterpreting the glove pump in glossy leathers, satin finishes and a spectrum of wearable hues that invite self-expression.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
-
The Golden Retriever blend supports health and weight management with nutrients to also encourage a glossy coat.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Once the fibers appear flattened, coated with dust, or no longer attract particles, they should be discarded.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
-
It should be noted that the underside of the bladder (which is in contact with the user's back) is coated with soft-touch fabric, plus an optional mesh back panel can be added for extra breathability.—
Ben Coxworth
May 11,
New Atlas,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
At this gleefully un-sleek restaurant styled as a Korean blue-collar cabby spot, the menu has almost no choices and not all the banchan are created equal.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Guests are asked to pack black-tie for evenings, and in a blur of feathers, silk, sequins, and sleek tuxedos, the collective effect is as transportive as the opulent surroundings.—
Rebekah Peppler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Under his meticulous care, the gleaming red sports car has been souped up to generate 400-horsepower turbo performance, but retains much of the original features and feel.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The trailer features stunning images of the massive gleaming white cube that was the centerpiece of the staging and Instagram-worthy shots of the pryo and special effects that made the tour a must-see for fans.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnished. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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