as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Recent Examples of varnish
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2024
The common sources of lead exposure, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, include paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, some soil and tap water exposure, clay pots, spices, toys, makeup, jewelry and ammunition.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Methanol — found in antifreeze, varnishes and fuels — is a colorless liquid, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Verb
Under the apartment’s roof, for example, cellulose insulation boards were left exposed, and then varnished, without being concealed behind drywall.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2024
The common sources of lead exposure, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, include paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, some soil and tap water exposure, clay pots, spices, toys, makeup, jewelry and ammunition.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
Noun
Franco Origlia/Getty Images Gel polish, which often contains TPO, is usually set under a UV light and dries harder than traditional paint-on varnish, forming a thicker shell that is more durable and can remain for weeks on nails without chipping.
—Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Methanol — found in antifreeze, varnishes and fuels — is a colorless liquid, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
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But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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More than 9,000 Amazon shoppers have done the same in the past month alone, with users praising the gloss’s ultra-hydrating formula, buildable color, and impressive shine in their reviews.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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Aggarwal made her new floor tiles look older and softer by finishing them with a matte seal rather than a traditional gloss.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The constant friction of material rubbing on material wears the clothing out faster, so when there is more time, as in a regular or deep clean cycle, the garment fibers can wear down faster.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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The events occurred in and around the lawless border of Venezuela and Colombia, where spies, smugglers and gun runners rub shoulders and distrust their own shadow.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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While in the United States, the price for porcelain veneers is typically in the range of $900 - $2,500 per tooth, major Turkish clinics typically do the same treatment for $220 to $440.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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Here, design details like DaVinci roofing and Arriscraft Walnut brick veneer accent the various structures alongside a large swimming pool and hot tub, a ping-pong pavilion, and a grilling area.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Its style was in many ways a refinement of the final run of Diablos, smoothing and polishing the old car’s edges while adding strength and modernity to the design.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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Gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up time by 10 to 15 minutes over several nights can help smooth the transition and get everyone back on schedule.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The elder Ciattarelli slapped his forward with his right hand as his son, dressed in camouflage fatigues, approached for a hug.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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Their first hypothesis was that the bats, which roost in leaf foliage during the summer, use the glow for camouflage.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Your glass tabletops, windows, and mirrors may look worse after cleaning them thanks to the dull film coating their surface.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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Dip the apple into the liquid candy and rotate it to coat evenly.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The mere sight of IKEA instruction manuals causes my eyes to glaze over, to say nothing of home COVID tests.—
Lucinda Rosenfeld,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
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Drizzle glaze evenly over cake.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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