as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Recent Examples of varnish
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
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
The dial is created by applying 15 layers of clear lacquer over a coat of Tiffany blue-colored varnish.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Finishes like polyurethane, varnish, or laminate add a protective topcoat to your cabinets to protect them from substances like grease.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
The dial is created by applying 15 layers of clear lacquer over a coat of Tiffany blue-colored varnish.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
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The secret to staying polished on hot, sticky summer days?—
Jacquelyn McGilvray,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
-
While rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado constantly reinvent themselves, Nissan tends to take the long road by refining, tweaking, and polishing instead of blowing everything up every few years.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 May 2026
Noun
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Harrier and Howell's vanity hits all the right notes—it's finished in high-gloss ivory lacquer, and the mirror is wrapped in a beautiful neutral suede.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
23 Apr. 2026
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In that case, an eggshell or satin finish is your best option as both hide some drywall imperfections (unlike a gloss finish) and can also be wiped down easily when needed.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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These dogs may rub their eyes excessively due to discomfort and corneal ulcers can also develop.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
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Pettis took out a paper towel and began rubbing the paints together on the easel.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Each one features expansive picture windows or a private terrace and is decked out with leathers, wood veneers, and marbles.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Comedians like Short may maintain an unphasable veneer but often, a well of intention and intelligence lies beneath.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The complementary conditioner dials up the moisture with shea butter, murumuru butter, and amino acids to smooth and strengthen—leaving hair soft, bouncy, and ready for styling.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
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Its benefits span from firming and lift to smoothing texture and tone.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Berry, wearing camouflage, was last seen near River Trace Road.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
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He was captured by a trail camera wearing camouflage clothing, the sheriff's office said.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Verb
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In large bowl, toss together peaches, blueberries, sugar and flour until fruit is well coated; set aside.—
Judy Bart Kancigor,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
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For the spicy tuna, masago clings to thick, buttery pieces of tuna coated in Sriracha, mayonnaise and sesame oil.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Prepare and glaze cake the day of serving.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
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This is the kind of financial jargon that makes most people’s eyes glaze over.—
Ganesh Sitaraman,
Time,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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