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
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
The company, its dusty factory smelling of strong varnish, is ready to part with pretty much everything here, and all of these instruments need new homes.
—
Joe Holden,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 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
Lacquer is a particular type of varnish that is usually made from lac.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
The company, its dusty factory smelling of strong varnish, is ready to part with pretty much everything here, and all of these instruments need new homes.
—
Joe Holden,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
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For dressier occasions, platform sandals like Martha Stewart's go-to style offer comfort, support, and polish all in one.
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Through processing that polishes the individual wool fibers, the technology allows wool to have more luster, a softer hand feel, drape and elastic recovery.
Noun
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Spora’s new Wild Collection offers materials in different colors with matte or gloss finishes.
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The job is to turn history into living proof, with less institutional gloss and more plain evidence.
Verb
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The bumper was rubbing the tire and a headlight looked to be dragging.
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Brown alleged Wilhelmy rubbed her stomach, touched her shoulders and spanked her despite objections.
Noun
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Upgrading the grid with wood veneers.
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Our suburban town of Kingston, across the Susquehanna River, had an optimistic, futuristic veneer with its new ranch and split-level houses and postwar adult toys like finned cars and color TVs.
Verb
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The formula uses argan oil, amino acids, and keratin-like proteins to smooth split ends, strengthen the cuticle, and boost shine.
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If wrinkles and uneven skin texture are a concern, Korean serums can help smooth your complexion.
Noun
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Some of them wear face paint, camouflage uniforms, and ghillie suits — ducking in and out of foxholes cut into the ground.
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Designed to accommodate up to 10 armed soldiers at a time the whole thing can be covered with more earth for concealment and camouflage.
Verb
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Mold still coats the walls along with holes in the ceiling.
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The original is coated in dark chocolate, though there is also now a milk chocolate version on shelves.
Verb
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Their eyes might glaze over, or fixate on some small detail that can be pocketed for future interpolation.
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The batter comes together fast, and there’s no icing or glaze to fuss over—just a quick sift of powdered sugar.
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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