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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What color would the statue be if it were polished as envisioned?—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Lopez stepped out looking both cozy and polished in an oversized tailored and tied cream jacket and a slinky matching floor-length skirt.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ask for soft, subtle highlights where they’d naturally be placed by the sun; depending on your natural base color, a gloss treatment might be more effective than foils.—
Jeanne Ballion,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
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Can corporations really scale training to tens of millions — or is this just PR gloss on a talent shortage?—
Jason Wingard,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Add a dab of liquid detergent to remaining stains and lightly rub it in.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
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The sports star shared another full-length shot of the couple — who currently reside in Oslo — with their arms around each other on the same white sands, while a third closer-up image showed the couple smiling and rubbing noses.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The interior is minimalist with seating at a counter and a long bar bookended by huge wood-veneer speakers.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
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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
Verb
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Personal communicators are wired to smooth things over.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Crème gets it right with a rich yet fast-absorbing formula that pairs glycerin and aloe vera for lasting hydration, while exfoliating lactic acid gently smooths rough patches.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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He’s been known to use low folding screens as camouflage for radiators, and all sizes as room dividers—a trick Wilson employs as well.—
Monika Biegler Eyers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
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The containerized system also supports camouflage and concealment in contested environments.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Pan Make sure the Bundt pan is thoroughly coated with baking spray—not cooking spray.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
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Pour the marinade over and turn the tofu to coat.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Waltman hand-carves each of her patterns and uses slip and ash glaze to add contrasting tones.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2025.
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