as in polished
having a shiny surface or finish
bright burnished metal is used extensively in that boutique's decor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in rubbed
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burnished
Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
The ground crunches on my morning walks, carpeted in burnished leaves the same colors of the hearts of flames.
—Morgan Lockhart, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
Fimognari, who’s shot most of Mike Flanagan’s considerably darker-toned projects, eschews the usual overbright Christmas comedy aesthetic for a burnished veneer.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
The space features details in burnished brass and canaletto walnut, which are intended to complement the Luxury Leisurewear offering.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
It has been burnished since, the latest evidence on Saturday.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Darker options—like black or burnished gold—are sleek and moody, while natural wood frames feel organic and warm.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Its investment in digital skills training has burnished its reputation across the continent as a company willing to provide long term partnership.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Like all good bistros, this one serves a roast chicken as burnished as a penny, uncharacteristically earthy and sweet thanks to the funky, flavor-intensifying power of koji.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Here, Roald Dahl’s classic 1970 children’s book of the same name becomes a deeply charming (and incredibly star-studded) stop-motion adventure, bathed from top to toe in the reds, golds, and burnished oranges of fall.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
The incredible landscape is blanketed by deciduous forests, which are burnished with color in autumn.
—Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
The result is a resurgence that has burnished nitrous’s longtime reputation among users as a cheap, easy high — and one that has leaked out of concert parking lots and into the mainstream.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Mango Luisa Penny Loafer The Mango Luisa Penny Loafers put a refined spin on the wardrobe classic thanks to the burnished leather and moc-toe silhouette that’s polished and effortless.
—Verb
His experiences amid the Soviet Union’s death throes burnished the impression that every nation must forge its own path distinct from cookie-cutter dogma.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for burnished
Adjective
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The prose looks polished, charts look clean, and a single percentage point buried in the model quietly pushes the decision in a different direction.—
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Like Coleman, Boston’s size (6-4, 210) and physicality enable him to win more than his fair share of jump balls, but the Huskie wideout is also a polished route-runner, especially on slants and comebacks.—
Verb
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Bulldog or border collie, barking or getting its belly rubbed, a dog can be many things while still remaining a dog.—
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William and Kate being so involved in what happened with Andrew reportedly rubbed Queen Camilla the wrong way.—
Adjective
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The glistening, glowy finish is what enhances your makeup’s longevity and keeps it locked in place for hours.—
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Everton’s glistening new stadium may come with a global beer sponsor, but their first game of the New Year there was utterly sobering.—
Verb
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As a result, the structure gradually collapsed and was smoothed to become almost flat by water currents.—
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Alas, these brands already did the heavy lifting, delivering formulas that immediately smoothed and over time improved the delicate skin's texture.—
Adjective
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Grande wore a glossy pink shade on her lips, sculpted cheeks with subtle shimmer, and long lashes.—
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Sylist Renato Campora used the continuous Marcel wave technique, tucking under her ends and creating a glossy, frozen finish.—
Verb
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Unlike traditional cast-iron skillets, this one is coated in a black satin enamel that prevents food from sticking to the bottom, resists rust, and doesn’t require seasoning or regular upkeep.—
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Meet the expert Backstage at Anna Sui, models’ lashes were coated in layers of turquoise mascara, while at The Blonds, models sported dramatic, feathery falsies saturated in a shade of shocking pink.—
Adjective
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The clean double-breasted buttons instantly add elegance to your airport outfit, especially when paired with a matching Amazon Essentials Turtleneck and sleek black Libin Wide-leg Dress Pants to keep you warm and comfortable from takeoff to arrival.—
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Take a cue from Nicole Kidman and swap bulky trainers for a sleeker option that styles effortlessly from the plane to wherever the day takes you.—
Adjective
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The trailer features stunning images of the massive gleaming white cube that was the centerpiece of the staging and Instagram-worthy shots of the pryo and special effects that made the tour a must-see for fans.—
Cite this Entry
“Burnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burnished. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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