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.

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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

Weeks for the shiny new parts to be polished up before being put on the road.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Schedule the playful thing, polish one detail, and let simple consistency make fun feel more satisfying.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

Semipermanent hair color At-home glosses and color-depositing conditioners fall somewhere between temporary camouflage and salon color.

— Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
So, with her back garden pantry set to soon look more potatoes-and-carrots than homegrown orange orchard, will the Duchess keep the all-Americana, Netflix-y glimmer and gloss?

— Chandler Tregaskes, Vanity Fair, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of gloss

Verb

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The tacos feature za’atar rubbed swordfish kissed by a wood-burning grill, dabbed with tangy pools of labne and a salsa arabe, similar to harissa.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

Rather than actual service failures, those logistical wrinkles serve as reminders that beneath the polished five-star veneer sits a functioning medical practice attempting to reconcile luxury hospitality with individualized medicine.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
Cornerstone Building Brands The Kearney plant, located near W Washington and W Major streets, manufactures a variety of building materials for residential and commercial uses, such as siding, windows, doors, stone veneer, fences and gutters.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of veneer

Verb

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Additional nutrients present in tea, especially Yerba Mate (the favorite drink of the Guarani, many of whom live and hunt in forests year-round), can help smooth the rough edges that coffee can sometimes impose.

— Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of smooth

Noun

From glosses and lowlights to temporary root sprays, there are plenty of ways to soften, blend or camouflage grays without signing yourself up for a standing root appointment every four weeks.

— Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
On his chest was a cartoon teddy bear dressed in camouflage emblazoned with El Chapo’s initials JGL, short for Joaquín Guzmán Loera.

— Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of camouflage

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varmints

varnish

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnish

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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