as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of varnish
Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
The floors squeak and haven’t been varnished in decades.
—Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2016
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024
Constructed of plywood and veneer with a clear coat of varnish, it can be built with nails, screws, or glue, and requires a drill, panel saw, jigsaw and nail gun.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Verb
The common sources of lead exposure, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, include paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, some soil and tap water exposure, clay pots, spices, toys, makeup, jewelry and ammunition.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
The floors squeak and haven’t been varnished in decades.
—Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2016
Noun
Crowley enhanced the room with wood varnish and murals that were over-detailed.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024
Constructed of plywood and veneer with a clear coat of varnish, it can be built with nails, screws, or glue, and requires a drill, panel saw, jigsaw and nail gun.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
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Loungewear sets are a common airport outfit, but Markle’s striped button-down shirt and matching flared pants looked comfortable, but also polished enough to wear to work or dinner.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2025
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Plus, like all Essie polishes, the creamy formula is vegan, salon-quality, and priced affordably.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This was also the first time in the history of the competition that a team scored seven goals away from home in the knockout stages, adding record-breaking gloss to the occasion.—
George Ramsay,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
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With a sweet scent, this gloss gives your lips the perfect amount of shine.—
Lauryn Jiles,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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For dried or sticky grease, Marshall suggests switching to dish soap diluted in water and rubbing gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2025
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Should wooden parts continue to rub together, Ceja says a little wax, soap, or WD-40 can help reduce friction and keep things quiet.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Weaving together the crunchy style of Streets of Rage with the progressive aspects of titles like Hades — all wrapped in a stunning paint-like veneer — Absolum has just jumped to the top of must-have list.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
4 Mar. 2025
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Ed’s monstrous behavior under the influence of cortisone shatters the veneer of middle-class gentility to reveal the fault lines repressed beneath it.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Diversification can smooth the ride and mitigate the impact on investors when a high-flyer like Tesla hits turbulence.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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The result is an indulgent, cooling formula that strengthens your skin barrier, smooths fine lines, and boosts your natural glow.—
Deanna Pai,
Allure,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Leaves: Birds like Eastern towhees and wood thrushes use leaves in their nests for camouflage, insulation, and structure.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2025
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Scientists learned in 2023 that the process by which cuttlefish generate their camouflage patterns is significantly more complex than scientists previously thought.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The middle portion of the dress, which stretched from her left bust to her right leg, was coated in yellow and white rhinestones.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
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Similar to brands like Stanley and Yeti, Hydro Flask water bottles are vacuum insulated and made from stainless steel that’s coated in a host of eye-catching colors.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In this fun and interactive class, students will use coil, pinch and slab methods to create and glaze whimsical animal head plant pots to take home as an artistic memory and memento.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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Loading your audio article Inspired by the famous roast chicken at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco, fashion designer and food writer Peter Som created this take that involves glazing the bird in a sweet-savory blend of hoisin, orange juice and honey.—
Kate Bradshaw,
The Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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