BURNISHED Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

burnished 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of burnished next

as in polished

having a shiny surface or finish bright burnished metal is used extensively in that boutique's decor

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burnished

2 of 2

verb

past tense of burnish

as in rubbed

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of burnished

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

The structured top handle makes this bag a polished option, while the removable shoulder strap transforms it into an everyday staple.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
At the center is a quartz crystal accompanied by recordings of titanium being hammered and polished.

— Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026