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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Given their stature, facilities and squad, this team is a rough diamond waiting to be polished.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Plenty of brands already offer or are transitioning to TPO-free formulas that contain different photoinitiators (a chemical that makes gel polishes cure under a lamp instead of air-drying like regular polish) such as TPO-L, BAPO, or other resin initiators.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Advertisement The presence of India’s prime minister provided some democratic gloss to this parade of pariahs.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
2 Sep. 2025
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Stones are finished with sheen to appear more natural and rooftops and gold accents are covered with a higher gloss.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Dip a paper towel or cloth in the jelly, then rub a thin layer all over the surface.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
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And while it was expected the two sides would part ways this offseason, first-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn rubbed Rodgers the wrong way after an awkward meeting between the two to discuss their future together.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Kennedy has already propagated an insidious revolution within the agencies under his control, using a playbook familiar to illiberal leaders—culling expertise, silencing critics, and weaponizing administrative procedure to grant a veneer of legitimacy to his actions.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
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Solid oak also feels heavier than veneer.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The bottoms feature a wide, high-waistband for a smoothing appearance and are subtly flared at the hem, offering a leg-lengthening look.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
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Infused with amino peptides to firm and smooth the skin, niacinamide to nourish the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid for a plumping touch, Olay’s lifting cream offers moisture with an extra dose of rejuvenating benefits.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That messaging is camouflage, according to Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a national network of Jewish groups.—
Peter Elkind,
ProPublica,
27 Aug. 2025
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Before the explosion of survival games, Snake Eater featured systems for healing your wounds, eating food to regain stamina, and swapping outfits for camouflage.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Applicators infiltrated cities across the nation, coating the chemical on street trees, parks and front lawns.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
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Honey and olive oil are a match made in heaven to coat roasted salmon or dress green and grain salads.—
Jess Cording,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Entertaining expert, Elizabeth Heiskell, said that when her mother talks about this fudgy dessert, her eyes glaze over.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
20 Aug. 2025
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Consumers can expect the brand's viral products, including peptide lip treatments, glazing milk and pocket blushes to be available at Sephora, according to the preview.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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