VARNISHING Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

varnishing

verb

present participle of varnish

as in polishing

to cover (something) with varnish He varnished the table.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 varnishing Like most ’80s metal heroes who briefly lost their way in the late ’90s, Megadeth have spent the 21st century varnishing their legacy with what’s tried and true, delivering eight LPs since 2001 that all basically sound the same. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnishing

Verb

The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Before Bay Area readers start polishing their debate trophies, remember these studies are conversation starters, not final verdicts.

— James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

Also hard at work are ectoin and panthenol, which are rockstars for reducing inflammation, smoothing texture, and, similarly to beta-glucan, forming a protective seal over your skin to keep moisture in and external stressors out.

— Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026
Designed specifically for the neck and décolletage, thai smoothing cream uses retinol to reverse signs of aging.

— Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

Electron beams replace ovens Ateios says the process enables coating speeds of 30 meters per minute across a 300-millimeter-wide web.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Locals and government officials were clearing debris and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town.

— Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of coating

Browse Nearby Words

varnishes

varnishing

vary

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Varnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnishing. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of varnishing

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tittle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 2

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes