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
Dana Afana, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney positioned himself as a border hawk to burnish his conservative credentials.
—David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 18 June 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
Seeking to burnish their credentials and secure the support of Detroit's business community, six candidates vying to become the city's next mayor detailed their plans to address small and minority business concerns, if elected, during an online forum Wednesday evening.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
In 2012, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney positioned himself as a border hawk to burnish his conservative credentials.
—David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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Light up the lake at Great Parks Spark in the Dark Illuminate the night by floating on glowing boats as the water glints and gleams.—
Caroline Ritzie,
The Enquirer,
18 July 2025
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Headlining the Kia Forum on the first of two sold out nights at the Los Angeles arena, the música mexicana artist and Southern California native appeared on stage Saturday night through a bold gleam of orange light that wrapped around his silhouette.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
29 June 2025
Verb
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To apply, the brand recommends rubbing a small amount in an upward motion on the neck to best combat sagging.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Just be sure not to rub it in too much—doing so can dull the scent’s staying power.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For an entire week, the flashing blue and red lights of police vehicles cast eerie glows inside residents’ homes, while helicopters and drones hummed relentlessly overhead.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
10 Aug. 2025
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The typical galaxy in that sample is 100 times fainter than the natural glow in the nighttime air in the Earth's atmosphere, so this Rubin Observatory program depends on near-total natural darkness.—
Richard Green,
Space.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Vinegar is one of the most versatile products in the pantry with uses that range from adding pep to coleslaw and barbecue sauce to protecting houseplants and polishing silver.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
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Between the Trump Administration declaring private accounts a red flag for foreign students and prospective employers using AI to find fake applicants, the old rules of polishing and making your accounts private are becoming obsolete.—
Erin Spencer Sairam,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Once the film went into production, Giacchino was able to make a set visit early on and further tailor his musical language to reflect the shine and the color of the film’s look.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
5 Aug. 2025
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In the offense’s most proficient day yet, sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. and second-year tight end JT Sanders each got their share of shine.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Therapeutic Botox – used for conditions that include muscle spasticity, migraines, overactive bladders, certain eye conditions and excessive sweating – brought in $3.3 billion for AbbVie last year, with sales of cosmetic Botox, often used to smooth facial wrinkles, generating $2.72 billion.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
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Card networks and domestic wallet apps have smoothed many edges, yet many of those wallets still use the same traditional systems.—
Alvin Kan,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Retail therapy glints at Luxury Plaza: think OMEGA watches, fine jewellery, and a whisper of indulgence.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Tennis great Billie Jean King added a hint of glint to her all-black look with a sparkly blazer, and a pop of color with her hot-pink glasses.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Anyone who has watched Pivetta stalk and stomp and gesticulate and glare and snap his glove to catch a throw from the catcher after a bad call and shout after an inning-ending out can easily surmise how much Pivetta’s intensity is part of his game.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
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Each railcar includes access to open-air vestibules, giving guests a chance to breathe in fresh air and snap postcard-perfect photos without obstruction or glare.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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