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
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
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
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
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
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Advanced packaging – Disco Japan's Disco manufactures processing equipment and tools for the creation of computer chips, specializing in grinding and polishing equipment, which is part of the advanced packaging process.—
Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2026
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The Mother’s kit requires the use of a drill and polishing pad to clean up the lights.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Rothblatt said, sarcastically, as Fakroune sat at the defense table rubbing his temples.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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Combined with the swiveling dining table, the setup allows several digital nomads to comfortably clack away on their keyboards at the same time – no banging elbows or rubbing knees.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Scrub with a Pumice Stone Pumice stones, sometimes called scouring sticks, aren’t just for smoothing rough heels.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2026
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Myriad attachments — including curling barrels, smoothing brushes, and a straightener — grant you endless style possibilities.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnishing. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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