VARNISH Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

varnish 1 of 2

verb

Definition of varnish

as in to polish

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

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

varnish

2 of 2

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 varnish

Verb

Refinish the door with stain or varnish that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinet doors. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026 The coarsest grades of steel wool can strip paint or varnish and remove rust from surfaces. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

Noun

To protect the delicate tissue from getting wet or being torn, a matte varnish was applied. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 The glass is inscribed—in lead wire, lead foil, oil, varnish, and dust—with diagrammatic imagery evoking machinery. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for varnish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish

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

In a landscape and an entertainment landscape where everything feels kind of fake or high gloss, this is super real, yet still high production value.

— Partner Content, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Morrocanoil’s high-shine gloss mask can provide results in under 10 minutes—or as an overnight treatment.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of gloss

Verb

For instance, Qidi had to include a piece of Velcro to prevent the Polar Cooler tube from rubbing against the glass surface inside the top cover.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Gently rub the entire surface in small circular motions, then use a dry cloth to wipe down the entire surface.

— Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of rub

Noun

There’s also a new leather pattern called Placed Perforation, a new dashboard veneer called Brindled Walnut, and new exterior paint options too.

— Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Filmmaker Rubaiyat Hossain crafts a taut supernatural drama that dissects the patriarchy hiding beneath the veneer of a fairytale wedding.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of veneer

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

Verb

Trump’s desire, which is to coat the granite facade with white paint, has been met with significant pushback from historians who say that covering the historic building’s granite exterior with paint could trap moisture and damage the stone.

— News Desk, Artforum, 19 Aug. 2026
Last year’s winner was the Crab and Mozzarella Arancini, which included Maryland blue crab meat, white rice with herbs and mozzarella coated in Italian breadcrumbs, served with marinara sauce.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of coat

Browse Nearby Words

varmints

varnish

varnished

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Cite this Entry

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“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnish

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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