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
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
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
The dial is created by applying 15 layers of clear lacquer over a coat of Tiffany blue-colored varnish.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Finishes like polyurethane, varnish, or laminate add a protective topcoat to your cabinets to protect them from substances like grease.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
The dial is created by applying 15 layers of clear lacquer over a coat of Tiffany blue-colored varnish.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
-
That means steep hills, slick cobblestones, long outdoor lunches, golden-hour strolls, late-night cocktails, and somehow still looking polished through all of it.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Why had someone polished smooth one of the crania and decorated another with a pattern of scratch marks?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Harrier and Howell's vanity hits all the right notes—it's finished in high-gloss ivory lacquer, and the mirror is wrapped in a beautiful neutral suede.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In that case, an eggshell or satin finish is your best option as both hide some drywall imperfections (unlike a gloss finish) and can also be wiped down easily when needed.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Until sound effects, tones, and grating atmospheres rub right up against the dialogue.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
24 Apr. 2026
-
An employee washed hands for less than 10 seconds at the sushi bar, and the inspector wants to see 10-15 seconds of your hands rubbing each other.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Each one features expansive picture windows or a private terrace and is decked out with leathers, wood veneers, and marbles.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Comedians like Short may maintain an unphasable veneer but often, a well of intention and intelligence lies beneath.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The complementary conditioner dials up the moisture with shea butter, murumuru butter, and amino acids to smooth and strengthen—leaving hair soft, bouncy, and ready for styling.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Its benefits span from firming and lift to smoothing texture and tone.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As Hyman filmed talking points, the women quietly lifted weights next to a man wearing a Turning Point USA T-shirt and carrying a camouflage National Rifle Assn.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Prince William, whose last visit to RAF Valley was in 2024, wore a camouflage uniform and hat for the occasion.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lightly coated with oil and tossed occasionally in a searing hot skillet or wok, even tough beans turn silky, and ready to coat in a finishing blast of chiles.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
-
Crispy, minty and coated in chocolate, these addictive treats consistently remain the Girl Scouts’ bestseller.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Prepare and glaze cake the day of serving.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This is the kind of financial jargon that makes most people’s eyes glaze over.—
Ganesh Sitaraman,
Time,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
