as in smoothes
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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Recent Examples of burnishes
Unconcerned by matters like health insurance and 401(k) contributions, her presence burnishes the reputation of the magazine as an arbiter of good taste.
—
New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
In exchange, the company burnishes its halo of high-mindedness, receives the right to feature famous works on its T-shirts, and gets to stage events in empty galleries or under an iconic glass pyramid, furthering the idea that its interests lie in Life as much as in Wear.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
In exchange, the company burnishes its halo of high-mindedness, receives the right to feature famous works on its T-shirts, and gets to stage events in empty galleries or under an iconic glass pyramid, furthering the idea that its interests lie in Life as much as in Wear.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnishes
Verb
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The video shows the pup lounging around in various positions in a home setting, from asleep on the floor and over a blanket to playing with a dog toy and lying on the floor with her legs in the air as a hand rubs her belly.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
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For a deeper dive into DeRose-Broeckert’s findings about how deer perceive scrapes and rubs, head over to NDA.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The single-button power control is a favorite feature of our reviewer Williams, as well as the fluffy optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 Sep. 2025
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Next, the gel polishes themselves had to work with the specific wavelengths of the Olive & June lamp.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Without stabilization, handheld footage has a jittery, jumpy look, but Active Mode effectively smooths it out.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
12 Oct. 2025
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In addition to serving as a natural detangler, Bennett says that ACV smooths and softens the hair as well.—
Danielle Sinay,
Glamour,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Every ingredient at Tacos Oaxaca shines in its own way.—
Natalie Hoy,
Southern Living,
19 Oct. 2025
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The bankruptcy shines a spotlight on how millions of Americans are hurting from the high cost of living and sluggish job market.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishes. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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