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
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
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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With Circle to Search, though, the feature isn't as polished right now.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
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The decorative buttons on the cuff add a polished touch, while the back slit on the pencil silhouette creates a flattering, leg-lengthening effect.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
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The female nurse rubbed the glove over her sides, into the folds, on the back of her neck.—
Laura Vazquez,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Kathy Ten Eyck flew from Utica, New York into New Mexico to visit the glistening dunes of White Sands National Park.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The ridiculously nourishing formula leaves you glistening but never greasy, with the coconut, açai, and brazil nut oils restoring suppleness to a level that pleased our testers as much as its tropical, coconutty scent and mess-free pump.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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Crow’s feet are smoothed with the winch of a hair elastic.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Encased in a glossy synth-pop tune, producers Max Martin and Shellback lace the lyrics with a melody as addictive as a narcotic, hooking listeners from the start.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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The amphibian slip-ons, crafted in glossy green rubber with bulging eyes perched across the vamp, were first introduced at JW Anderson’s fall 2023 menswear show in Milan.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The hardware on this model is sleeker than earlier Scribes too.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Turkish yard’s halls are currently at capacity with other bespoke builds, with a sleek 164-foot coupé project expected to launch in October and a 197-foot tri-deck due to hit the water before the end of the year.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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It’s also coated in scratch-resistant enamel that’s easy to clean and great for presenting on a tablescape.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
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Its polyester fabric is coated in a water- and stain-resistant coating, and its ergonomic, strong zippers can withstand serious force.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
7 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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