as in polishing
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of burnishing
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
Daniella Pierson has cozied up to everyone from Diane von Furstenberg to Selena Gomez, burnishing her image as her businesses unraveled.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
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
Daniella Pierson has cozied up to everyone from Diane von Furstenberg to Selena Gomez, burnishing her image as her businesses unraveled.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnishing
Verb
-
Its style was in many ways a refinement of the final run of Diablos, smoothing and polishing the old car’s edges while adding strength and modernity to the design.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
-
At one point, convinced that one of the screenwriters who was on set polishing the script was leaking information to Weinstein, Scorsese rushed into the office and flung his desk out the window.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That also includes light touch on your scalp from brushing your hair, the sensation of rubbing a blanket over your body, or feeling a breeze brush against your skin.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
-
There seemed to be little ambiguity as to the nature of their connection, as Curtis was spotted rubbing the actress' shoulders, and Aniston was later seen with her hand in his hand.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Get your baker friend a full-sized one for smoothing buttercream over cakes, and a mini one for more precise tasks.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Nov. 2025
-
It’s designed with side-smoothing panels, separated cups, and wide, adjustable straps.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishing. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share