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
  • For deeper etching, a polishing compound and pad may restore the finish.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026
  • Not deliberately misleading them—more like polishing things up.
    — Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of polishing
Verb
  • Coat the exterior of the pork with 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice, rubbing it into the meat.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the material.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of rubbing
Verb
  • Do not keep smoothing things over while your body keeps the receipts.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Two dermatologists back the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on furbishing

Nglish: Translation of furbishing for Spanish Speakers

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