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.

Related Words

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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

Part of the high-wire act of such books is that the authors and their publishers work at unaccustomed speed to provide the end product with a history-as-it-is-happening varnish. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 Wood Rubbing alcohol can strip the varnish or paint from wooden surfaces, removing the protective layer, causing discoloration, and leaving dullness and damage behind. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for varnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish

Verb

Set near the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the restaurant delivers scale, confidence, and polish without falling into the usual steakhouse performance.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
The investment of time and money put into excavating and polishing a skeleton such as Gus would not be possible, according to Hatton, without the prospect of a high-value sale.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

Prologue Bookshop Prologue Bookshop is an independent bookstore for travel reads, thoughtful gifts, and local recommendations—without all the tourist gloss or prices.

— Rafael Pena, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
To make this shade more interesting, pair it with a high-gloss top coat for a reflective look like above.

— Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026

Definition of gloss

Verb

But the comfort extends beyond the insole, as the soft fabric straps help prevent rubbing while also lending the sandals a more elevated look.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Known for her dry humor and blunt honesty, Jeana has a tendency to rub her castmates the wrong way by saying exactly what’s on her mind.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

Nguyen founded Vintage Modern, formerly known as Vintage Broncos, to wrap classic car veneers around the latest vehicle undercarriages.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Critics of the government, in turn, noted that government officials, and especially members of the Castro family, had always enjoyed a life of luxury behind a veneer of revolutionary austerity, which has become more evident in the social media era.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Definition of veneer

Noun

The resident of the house answered the door, and was met by a man wearing a gray sweatshirt and jeans, with a camouflage mask or bandana covering his mouth.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Her childhood became a scavenger hunt for answers, but her parents were masters of camouflage.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Definition of camouflage

Verb

Visitors reach the museum via boat, and snorkel above the sculptures, which range from groups of people to a Volkswagen coated with seaweed.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Lightly coat the steaks on both sides with oil and season evenly with salt and black pepper.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Definition of coat

Browse Nearby Words

varmints

varnish

varnished

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnish

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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