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
Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
If these artists could burnish their legacies and become part of a wider cultural conversation outside of music, then why not Pavement, the beloved ’90s indie-rock band that was about to reunite for its first concerts since 2010?
—David Renard, New York Times, 1 May 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
The following year, Lord & Taylor president Dorothy Shaver established a formal management structure for both the institute and its annual gala, streamlined operations, and helped burnish the reputation of the fledgling institution among New York’s social elite.
—Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 1 May 2025
If these artists could burnish their legacies and become part of a wider cultural conversation outside of music, then why not Pavement, the beloved ’90s indie-rock band that was about to reunite for its first concerts since 2010?
—David Renard, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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Super fine golden pearls give a gorgeous gleam while coconut, avocado and argan oils, plus squalane and vitamin E nourish skin and add radiance.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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On closer inspection, the gleam was a stainless-steel ring, bolted onto what seemed to be a large metal drum.—
Maddy Crowell,
Harpers Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The project has been anchored by the relentless efforts of Wood and Orr, experts in rubbing elbows and working a crowd and the phones.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2025
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It’s got a wide toe box, soft cushioning, and an upper that grips the ankles comfortably without rubbing the Achilles.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
11 May 2025
Noun
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While fine jewelry may contribute to her glow, Bailey says there are definitely a few other things making her radiate from the inside out — her son and and her career.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
10 May 2025
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Those under clear, dark skies away from light pollution may see the glow of the aurora borealis low on the northern horizon from 11 U.S. states though a bright waxing gibbous moon may make sightings more difficult.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Verb
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Instead of replacing her creativity, AI amplified it by providing structured and consistent feedback, giving her more time to polish her jokes.—
Jeanne Beatrix Law,
The Conversation,
7 May 2025
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Polish with Microfiber Cloth Use a microfiber cloth to polish the mirror after squeegeeing.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
The Best of Beauty winner feels moisturizing on the lips and brings plenty of shine to the equation.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
13 May 2025
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To wit, many are amplifying their favorite colors with a drench of wet shine.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
The Red Sox may be hoping a similar meeting in Kansas City can smooth things over with their star player.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
Her super long ponytail, which was teased and smoothed with Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler Chrome, is not-so-rudely interrupted by tiers of bulbous rings of red hair.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
5 May 2025
Noun
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The images often frame Bono in shadow, with glints of light around him, lending a chiaroscuro elegance to his presence.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
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The glint of the sun, gleaming light, on the tops, and shadow, darkness in the troughs.—
Casey Cep,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Restoring the luster Nordstrom department stores once had, and getting out from under the glare of Wall Street, is the basis for Nordstrom going private.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
16 May 2025
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The Supremes mostly sidestepped the core issue — for now While the media’s glare is on birthright citizenship, the justices carefully avoided a direct judgment on the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship clause on Thursday.—
David Catanese,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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