as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Recent Examples of varnish
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
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
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Verb
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
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
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Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For the rest of her glam, Gomez experimented with a more ’00s inspired lip combo, opting for a darker, taupey lip liner and cooler-toned brown gloss, finishing the look with a smoky gray eye and blooming pink blush.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
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Consider trailing your vines from a Space Age-leaning, high gloss pedestal.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Bathroom Sinks and Mirrors Bathroom mirrors and sinks are quick to show signs of use over the course of a week, and rubbing them down will make all of the difference.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
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Her words rubbed viewers and other contestants the wrong way, prompting a spat with fellow contestant Debbie.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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Dental specialists are now doing canine braces and porcelain veneers.—
Jane Stern,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Spanx Supersmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Micro Flare Pant Speaking of smoothing, these dress pants have compression from waist to knee and a subtle flare leg — like your favorite yoga pants but office appropriate.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture within each hair fiber, glycerin locks in hydration while smoothing the cuticle, and dimethicone helps detangle and create a sleek, polished finish.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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Its camouflage exterior and heavy-duty features hide a refined interior that's ready for global adventures.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Add the ravioli and ¼ cup pasta cooking water and stir until the sauce is creamy and the ravioli are coated.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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Pour lemon harissa sauce over wings; toss until coated.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2025.
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