as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
The ink remained stable, without smearing, thanks to a special varnish applied to the mask’s surface.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 June 2025
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Verb
Some reviewers suggest coating the wood with a waterproof varnish to further extend its lifespan for years to come.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
The ink remained stable, without smearing, thanks to a special varnish applied to the mask’s surface.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 June 2025
Noun
Under the apartment’s roof, for example, cellulose insulation boards were left exposed, and then varnished, without being concealed behind drywall.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
-
What color would the statue be if it were polished as envisioned?—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Lopez stepped out looking both cozy and polished in an oversized tailored and tied cream jacket and a slinky matching floor-length skirt.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Piano White veneer trim is meant to echo the high-gloss surface of a satellite casting.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Rokael Beauty lashes, HUDA Beauty Faux Filler glosses, Blend Bunny Cosmetics eyeshadows, and Natasha Denona concealers.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Add a dab of liquid detergent to remaining stains and lightly rub it in.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The sports star shared another full-length shot of the couple — who currently reside in Oslo — with their arms around each other on the same white sands, while a third closer-up image showed the couple smiling and rubbing noses.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The interior is minimalist with seating at a counter and a long bar bookended by huge wood-veneer speakers.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
But Kennedy has already propagated an insidious revolution within the agencies under his control, using a playbook familiar to illiberal leaders—culling expertise, silencing critics, and weaponizing administrative procedure to grant a veneer of legitimacy to his actions.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The very technology designed to smooth our experience is actually increasing our discomfort with the unavoidable misunderstandings and tensions of real relationships, driving us toward isolation.—
Curt Steinhorst,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Designed to last up to 12 hours, the formula is the first of its kind to combine the properties of a setting powder and blush to smooth, blur and set the face without leaving behind a separating residue.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
His image was captured on a trail camera mounted in the driveway, attired in camouflage, an AR-15-style semiautomatic assault rifle strapped to his chest.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The man was captured on a trail camera wearing camouflage with an AR-15-style rifle slung across his chest, according to the affidavit.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
They are made of billions of small chunks of ice and rock coated with other materials such as dust.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Stock image of a frying pan coated with beef tallow.—
Toby Meyjes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Waltman hand-carves each of her patterns and uses slip and ash glaze to add contrasting tones.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Currently, according to Applebee's website, menu items include bourbon street chicken and shrimp, hot honey glazed chicken and blackened Cajun salmon.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share