VARNISH Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

varnish 1 of 2

verb

Definition of varnish

as in to polish

to cover (something) with varnish He varnished the table.

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

varnish

2 of 2

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 varnish

Verb

Refinish the door with stain or varnish that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinet doors. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026 The coarsest grades of steel wool can strip paint or varnish and remove rust from surfaces. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

Noun

To protect the delicate tissue from getting wet or being torn, a matte varnish was applied. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 The glass is inscribed—in lead wire, lead foil, oil, varnish, and dust—with diagrammatic imagery evoking machinery. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for varnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish

Verb

The ula fala is a traditional Samoan necklace made from dried parts, called keys, of the tropical pandanus plant that are polished then strung into a necklace.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
Outside the shows, that same polished-but-not-too-polished approach was everywhere, with fashion week attendees trading traditional suits for more relaxed takes on the look.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

Instead, Gabriel was adding the gloss on United’s under-19s victory over Sabah at Leigh Sports Village with three goals.

— Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, her cheeks and lips were accented with a faint swipe of peach blush and rose gloss, and her lashes were coated in black mascara, giving the overall look a refined appeal.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of gloss

Verb

One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Danger, Olivo, and Mosco had just eaten by the gazebo and Damaris was rubbing her pup’s head goodnight, about to go into the shack.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

The same absence of sensationalism and veneer of reasonableness applies to the world inside Osama’s home.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Spirit’s team created a warm mahogany-and-veneer interior defined by curves, with details such as fore-and-aft berths, a shower, a galley, and an electric head.

— Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of veneer

Verb

This flattering style smooths the neck, concealing wrinkles and adding definition to the jawline by hiding a double chin or loose skin.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 11 Sep. 2026
These include load smoothing, low-voltage ride-through, demand response and grid stabilization.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of smooth

Verb

Yes, Stark has painted, or, more accurately, anodized, powder-coated, and otherwise bullied into submission just about everything to black.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
In these pieces, which are coated in a palette of bright reds, dusky purples, black, and burl, their provenance becomes even murkier.

— Jill Singer, Curbed, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of coat

Browse Nearby Words

varmints

varnish

varnished

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnish

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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