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
Relevance
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
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
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
Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
The movie exposed Cameron’s weaknesses as a screenwriter — ouf, some of that dialogue — while forever burnishing his reputation as a master of big-screen drama.
33.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 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
Platt’s brash and demanding manner also rankled some of his subordinates, who claimed they were forced out of their positions for being reluctant to cut corners or allegedly lie to the news media at his suggestion in order to burnish the city’s reputations.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
The movie exposed Cameron’s weaknesses as a screenwriter — ouf, some of that dialogue — while forever burnishing his reputation as a master of big-screen drama.
33.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnish
Noun
-
Highland wasn’t even a gleam in anybody’s eye when Johnson ruled the city.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2025
-
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
-
Pearl rubbed Broome’s back as the cart took off down the concourse.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
My skin feels noticeably softer, more hydrated, and has a natural glow that lasts all day.—
Tira Urquhart,
Essence,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Newman’s Own is betting on something older—and maybe more powerful: the warm glow effect.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
When the Doctor is planning to break into memory banks to search for answers about why robots and people suddenly stopped peacefully coexisting, Belinda decides to use a polishing robot to lead the robots to her.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Offer to polish the slides, do research, or bring everything together.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
At the same time the creamy formula helps strengthen the hair cuticle and boost shine.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Each pad is infused with 10% glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation, tranexamic acid to target dark spots, and niacinamide to smooth and even tone.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Apr. 2025
-
His biggest impression was how balanced and smooth the bat felt through the strike zone.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On the 11th of March, the Kalmar County Administrative Office shared news of an intriguing find via Facebook; an anonymous local, while exploring a wetland area, had noticed an unusual glint, sparking an archaeological investigation.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Her beauty line’s eyeshadow palettes give rise to these creations, whose evolved gradients are typically topped by a glint of shimmer.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The six-inch display is recessed into the bezels, which helps to reduce glare.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
-
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 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share