BURNISH Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

burnish 1 of 2

noun

Definition of burnish

as in gleam

brightness created by light reflected from a surface after some much-needed polishing, the silver tea set had a brilliant burnish

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burnish

2 of 2

verb

ˈbər-nish

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 burnish

Noun

Fretting that the fabled bash was losing its luster, Guiducci ordered up some major burnishes. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026 The storytelling has an unfussy classical burnish that feels nicely scaled to its time and place. — Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2023

Verb

The Obama Presidential Center opening June 18 also bodes well for tourism, both in burnishing the city’s image and creating a new attraction to draw domestic and international visitors to Chicago, Reynolds said. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 Ruto has burnished his ties with Western leaders. — semafor.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for burnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish

Noun

Meanwhile, Tucuma-seed and buriti oils soften the skin and boost its radiance for a subtle, youthful gleam.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026
In other words, there is no recapturing the mythological—and curiously innocent—gleam of earlier World Cup eras.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of gleam

Verb

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The tacos feature za’atar rubbed swordfish kissed by a wood-burning grill, dabbed with tangy pools of labne and a salsa arabe, similar to harissa.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rub

Verb

Seventy percent of job seekers use AI to polish their resumes—and Gen Z adoption is even higher at 85%.

— Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Whether styled with a matching linen top, a lightweight blouse, or thrown on as a swimsuit cover-up en route to the beach club, these versatile pants make looking polished as easy as ever.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of polish

Noun

Plus there are replenishing active ingredients like panthenol that add hydration and shine.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Kuk and especially Kodelja shine with naturalistic charm in this delicate two-hander, their easy chemistry making credible the rapport between Maruša’s grungy cynic and Alja’s snuggie-wearing neurotic.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Additional nutrients present in tea, especially Yerba Mate (the favorite drink of the Guarani, many of whom live and hunt in forests year-round), can help smooth the rough edges that coffee can sometimes impose.

— Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of smooth

Noun

Steve Gleason, co-founder of Crowfoot Range and a member of the Avimor neighborhood watch, was the first to point out the glint of a pickup truck on the far hill.

— Noah Daly August 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2026
Played with tricksy force and a glint of anger in her eyes by Samantha Morton, Circe is at the center of the greatest scene in The Odyssey, one that foregrounds the grandeur and uncanny qualities of myth.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026

Definition of glint

Noun

That year, the Perseids will peak in the glare of a waxing moon just four days from turning full, and the moonlight will hide many of the shower's fainter shooting stars.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
That screen was one of the few passenger-side screens that didn’t constantly throw glare and random reflections at me while driving.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of glare

Browse Nearby Words

burning (up)

burnish

burnished

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“Burnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnish. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of burnish

noun

verb

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