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.

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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

Nowadays, machinery like edge polishers make calibration, grinding, shaping and beveling possible with great ease and high-pressure waterjet cutting and polishing systems used for complex contours and sensitive materials.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Small updates like polishing or new hardware can elevate your kitchen’s look with minimal effort.

— Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Small amounts of surface rust or rust that can be removed simply by rubbing a paper towel over the surface, is okay.

— Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning formula uses the brand’s 3D Lip Complex, which blends bidens pilosa extract—known for its anti-inflammatory properties and smoothing effect—with cotton seed and linseed oil to help even texture and soften the skin.

— Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
It’s made with Bioheal’s signature Probioderm complex, the same fine-line-smoothing ingredient that landed the brand’s eye cream on Vogue’s list of the best Korean formulas.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

On the last day of August, Jeff van den Noort spotted thick swirls of neon green film coating the water just steps from his home in Vermont.

— Jonathan Mingle, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2026
That project involved color-coating the basketball court at Apple Hill Park on the village’s north side.

— Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of coating

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varnishes

varnishing

vary

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“Varnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnishing. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnishing

verb

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