as in polishing
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 burnishing
Most notably, Paxton led numerous legal challenges against the Biden administration over immigration and border policies, often succeeding and burnishing his credentials as a conservative crusader.
—
Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Most notably, Paxton led numerous legal challenges against the previous Joe Biden administration over immigration and border policies, often succeeding and burnishing his credentials as a conservative crusader.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
In addition to burnishing your skills, working with a ski pro also gives you insider knowledge about the resort, Docken added.
—Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
For most of DeSantis’ term, the state has been governed his desire to serve the needs of the wealthy elite while burnishing his credentials as an audacious renegade.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
The governor, a potential 2028 presidential contender, has been burnishing his national image after winning a decisive victory last week with his Proposition 50 campaign, which redrew California’s congressional districts to eke out another five Democratic House seats.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Further burnishing his reputation are his results at auction.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
The somber atmospherics and satisfying weightiness allowed Dudamel to show off his new ensemble’s soloists and sections, which have prepped for his arrival by burnishing their sonic gold.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Sharon details how this squad helps Anthropic’s business, too, burnishing its reputation as the AI lab that cares the most about AI safety and perhaps winning it a more receptive ear in the corridors of power.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Most notably, Paxton led numerous legal challenges against the previous Joe Biden administration over immigration and border policies, often succeeding and burnishing his credentials as a conservative crusader.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
In addition to burnishing your skills, working with a ski pro also gives you insider knowledge about the resort, Docken added.
—Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
For most of DeSantis’ term, the state has been governed his desire to serve the needs of the wealthy elite while burnishing his credentials as an audacious renegade.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
The governor, a potential 2028 presidential contender, has been burnishing his national image after winning a decisive victory last week with his Proposition 50 campaign, which redrew California’s congressional districts to eke out another five Democratic House seats.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Further burnishing his reputation are his results at auction.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
The somber atmospherics and satisfying weightiness allowed Dudamel to show off his new ensemble’s soloists and sections, which have prepped for his arrival by burnishing their sonic gold.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Sharon details how this squad helps Anthropic’s business, too, burnishing its reputation as the AI lab that cares the most about AI safety and perhaps winning it a more receptive ear in the corridors of power.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnishing
Verb
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After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
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This gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating sugar scrub helps to melt away makeup, excess oil, and buildup, all while buffing and polishing without stripping the skin.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The nun moved from one child to the next, tucking them back under the covers, rubbing backs,and whispering sweet words of affection.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
15 Feb. 2026
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One of his chief critics was Pele, and Scolari took great delight in rubbing Brazil’s triumph in his face.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The three compressions are Spanxsmooth Swim, which is light compression for barely there smoothing; Spanxshape Swim, medium compression for a little more tummy control and shaping, and Spanxsculpt Swim, strong compression that cinches and snatches.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Appealing Venus is parading into your 6th House of Habits, bringing sweetness to routines and smoothing dynamics, which suits a diplomatic style of handling events.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishing. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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