as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Recent Examples of varnish
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
The ink remained stable, without smearing, thanks to a special varnish applied to the mask’s surface.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 June 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
Some reviewers suggest coating the wood with a waterproof varnish to further extend its lifespan for years to come.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
The ink remained stable, without smearing, thanks to a special varnish applied to the mask’s surface.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 June 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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The Lioness Maxi Dress makes a chic wedding guest dress, Anthropologie’s Maeve Drop-waist Maxi looks polished under a peacoat, and the Zesica version makes date-night dressing effortless.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
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The winners of the next decade won’t be the companies that use AI to polish existing processes—they’ll be the ones that let AI uncover the signals human intuition misses and reimagine their operating model around them.—
Mike Hoffman,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This lightweight oil-serum hybrid tames flyaways, locks in moisture, and adds high-gloss shine without weight.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
30 Sep. 2025
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The Brazilian was key to Madrid’s fourth, setting up Eduardo Camavinga from close-range for his first goal in the competition, before Brahim Diaz added further gloss to the scoreline in the 93rd minute.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Gently rub the pumice stone over the surface of the soap scum, rinsing away any residue that collects on it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
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Avoid rubbing the sting and monitor for signs of allergic reaction or shock.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Whitening strips also do not work on crowns, fillings, veneers, implants, and other similar products.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
25 Sep. 2025
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And then, new teeth [Judge got new veneers in October 2024].—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The palate is rich with leather, oak, and dark fruit, smoothed by brown sugar and lifted by cherry brightness.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Revitalizing Serum, made with mostly natural ingredients including red camellia extract, smooths and illuminates the skin while its counterpart—the Revitalizing Eye Serum—wakes up the gaze.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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The listing says the 4×4 has previously spent time finished in black and camouflage, but is currently sporting a pleasing coat of silver and rides on a matching set of eight-lug 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpio BK tires.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In this recipe, country music star Lainey Wilson draws on her Louisiana roots, rolling the regional sausage into balls before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying until crispy on the outside, but still tender inside.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
1 Oct. 2025
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Oil the entire pan Once the pan is clean, use a kitchen or paper towel to coat it with a thin layer of oil (emphasis on thin).—
Julie Harans,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The resource bit is where many players’ eyes might glaze over — there’s just so damned much to collect and spend.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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Smoked to perfection and glazed with sweet heat, this turkey leg brings bold BBQ flavor with a honey twist.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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