as in gleam
brightness created by light reflected from a surface
after some much-needed polishing, the silver tea set had a brilliant burnish
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to rub
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burnish
Caleb Crain, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Perhaps the open roasting caused the sugar to caramelize, adding a slightly bitter burnish that mitigated the awful sweetness.
—Mimi Sheraton, The Seattle Times, 25 Sep. 2018
Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Meaning The pressure was on after the cult classic — recently burnished in 4K by the Criterion Collection — for Solondz to follow its winning formula.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Noun
As each streetlamp passed, the burnish of its reflected light rolled up alongside them on the asphalt, like a dolphin curious about a new boat in her waters, and then veered away.
—Caleb Crain, Harper's magazine, 22 July 2019
Perhaps the open roasting caused the sugar to caramelize, adding a slightly bitter burnish that mitigated the awful sweetness.
—Mimi Sheraton, The Seattle Times, 25 Sep. 2018
Verb
No existing reputations are broken here, and many are burnished.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Meaning The pressure was on after the cult classic — recently burnished in 4K by the Criterion Collection — for Solondz to follow its winning formula.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
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Highland wasn’t even a gleam in anybody’s eye when Johnson ruled the city.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2025
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But also required is investment in new technologies that today may be only a gleam in some researcher’s eye.—
DANIEL YERGIN,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Pearl rubbed Broome’s back as the cart took off down the concourse.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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Adding to its innovation, the 'Monaco' integrates honeycomb thermoplastic heel technology, providing convenience by allowing natural motion without stiffness or rigidity, rubbing away material in other shoemakers usually.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Millions of people in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and beyond were able to view the glow of the northern lights.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2025
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The Blue Dragon - Always evening under the glow of ethereal lanterns, guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine as dazzling neon dragons chase across the walls or curl up with a cocktail at The Tiger Bar.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As part of its comeback efforts, Farfetch has been polishing the machinery of the business as well, slashing clearance and markdown activity, and extending its free returns policy to 30 days.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2025
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Buff and Shine Next, a buffing wheel polishes the pieces to remove any rough edges or scratches.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Set on a rhodium lapel pin, this piece merges industrial shine with organic form, a subtle nod to the celebrated flower of the Kentucky Derby.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 Apr. 2025
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At the same time the creamy formula helps strengthen the hair cuticle and boost shine.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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There’s no math or history class that can teach you how to smooth that over.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
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Financial markets and the economy could be in for further turbulence, but the right dividend-paying stocks may help smooth the ride, according to Jefferies.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Gyllenhaal, while sturdy enough with the language, achieves only intermittent glints of Iago’s venomous vitality.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2025
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In the dark, the screen glints in Gary/Greg’s cold, dead eyes.—
Dan Heching,
CNN,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The six-inch display is recessed into the bezels, which helps to reduce glare.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
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This can be especially apparent if clouds or haze are dimming the sun enough to reduce the glare.—
Jesse Emspak,
Space.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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