as in rubs
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
The contract, further enmeshing JPMorgan with a dominant tech player, burnishes the bank’s reputation as a leader in American finance.
—
Hugh Son,leslie Picker,laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
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
Hugh Son,leslie Picker,laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnishes
Verb
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This might happen because antler rubs strip bark away, revealing lignin-rich inner wood that reemits the longer wavelengths in a way bark does not.—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Scientific American,
21 Jan. 2026
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Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
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Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At just $6, the rich moisturizer hydrates and smooths pesky dry spots and crepey patches.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
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Sweeping slightly melts and smooths the ice, reducing friction so that the stone travels farther and curls less.—
Mark Billingsley,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The domed crystal here is a callback to vintage dive watches with luminescent Radiomir dials made for the Italian Navy; the PAM01729 offers up a bit of glow, too, with beige Super-LumiNova that shines green in the dark.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2026
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Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, this is a tale of love, friendship, and identity.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnishes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishes. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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