furbishing

verb

present participle of furbish
as in polishing
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the warrior furbished his sword and shield so that they glinted in the sunlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for furbishing
  1. polishing
  2. rubbing
  3. smoothing
Verb
  • Not deliberately misleading them—more like polishing things up.
    — Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Interest—from both visitors and islanders—is gently shifting away from polishing playboy yachts or appeasing the decadent whims of retirees, to something, well, more real.
    — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Definition of polishing
Verb
  • With eight goals and two assists so far this tournament, the GOAT will be rubbing his hands.
    — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • For washable fabrics, avoid rubbing aggressively as this action can push the stain deeper into the material fibers.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Definition of rubbing
Verb
  • This smoothing body treatment includes retinol to fight fine lines and wrinkles, shea butter for moisture, and vitamin C and E to protect against environmental factors that lead to signs of aging.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • The new schedule aligns with the National Women’s Soccer League, smoothing the process for player loans.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
Definition of smoothing
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.

Browse Nearby Words

furbishes
furbishing
furies
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Cite this Entry

“Furbishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/furbishing. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on furbishing

Nglish: Translation of furbishing for Spanish Speakers

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