1
as in facade
a deceptively attractive external appearance
used a computer to give her astrological predictions the gloss of real science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface
the surface has such a high gloss, you can see your face reflected in it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the action of the water will serve to gloss the seal's coat
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 gloss
Heather Bien, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
If the idea of a treatment feels intimidating, the application couldn’t be simpler: Use the nozzle to apply the gloss in a zigzag motion through mid-lengths and ends, wait five minutes, then rinse.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025
Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
King of the Hill’s belief in the innate power of moral character remains one of its most appealing traits—but the revival glosses reality in order to preserve its gentle equilibrium.
—Adrienne Matei, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gloss
Noun
Buyers are craving warmth and personality again, so that ultra-white, high gloss cabinetry can actually make a house feel dated and uninspired.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
If the idea of a treatment feels intimidating, the application couldn’t be simpler: Use the nozzle to apply the gloss in a zigzag motion through mid-lengths and ends, wait five minutes, then rinse.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
Carol, who now works as a counselor after a career shift in her fifties, isn’t interested in trying to gloss up the factors that led to her creatively brilliant and warmhearted son’s death.
—Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
King of the Hill’s belief in the innate power of moral character remains one of its most appealing traits—but the revival glosses reality in order to preserve its gentle equilibrium.
—Adrienne Matei, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gloss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gloss
Noun
-
Now, the spot has undergone a careful restoration of its facades just steps from Como’s city center.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There’s enormous relief in letting go of the facade of perfect containment or the need to perform goodness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When the action rises in intensity, this gleam gathers quickly to a fiery glow of tragic power.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Your 4th House of Traditions gleams under today’s Full Moon, so private needs are potentially straining against public duties.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Few industries are set to be as upended by AI as the spreadsheet-wrangling, PowerPoint presentation-polishing work done by Wall Street’s youngest bankers.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Lint-free cotton cloths are best for polishing and buffing silver flatware and serving pieces.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In some instances, the interaction may have a veneer of consent, or of quid pro quo.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The veneer on this rubber wood piece brings warmth to its clean, tapered construction.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Over the decades the classic ski look has been complimented by Norwegian sweaters, glare-shunning sunglasses and furry boots.—
David G. Allan Feb 15,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
In the fluorescent glare of a rundown Indonesian wig factory, vats of human hair simmer in huge cauldrons, stirred by hunched laborers as rows of mannequin heads watch blankly from the dark.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the shoot unfolds, Clyde can be found affectionately rubbing Hayley’s hand, gently playing with the wedding band on her ring finger.—
Cierra Black,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Wet both the pumice stone and the surface where the stain is, and gently rub the pumice over the stain in short strokes until the stain is gone.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Eric Laughlin, a spokesperson for the Office of Spill Prevention and Response at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the agency also collected samples of the oil sheen, which are still being analyzed.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The aluminum frame is strong and durable, keeping your items protected while offering a chic metallic sheen that makes your bag easy to spot in a lineup.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The jeans have slimming panels with a crisscross design that shape and support curves, while the high front waist smooths the tummy area.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Chocolate Ganache smoothed between layers of rich chocolate cake topped with Praline Frosting and a warm Bourbon Glaze make this recipe fit for special occasions.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gloss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gloss. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
