as in to polish
to cover (something) with varnish
He varnished the table.
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Recent Examples of varnish
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
Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Methanol — found in antifreeze, varnishes and fuels — is a colorless liquid, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for varnish
Verb
Under the apartment’s roof, for example, cellulose insulation boards were left exposed, and then varnished, without being concealed behind drywall.
—Noun
Franco Origlia/Getty Images Gel polish, which often contains TPO, is usually set under a UV light and dries harder than traditional paint-on varnish, forming a thicker shell that is more durable and can remain for weeks on nails without chipping.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnish
Verb
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But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Noun
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Buyers are craving warmth and personality again, so that ultra-white, high gloss cabinetry can actually make a house feel dated and uninspired.—
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That, and gloss treatments between color appointments.—
Verb
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The constant friction of material rubbing on material wears the clothing out faster, so when there is more time, as in a regular or deep clean cycle, the garment fibers can wear down faster.—
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The events occurred in and around the lawless border of Venezuela and Colombia, where spies, smugglers and gun runners rub shoulders and distrust their own shadow.—
Noun
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While in the United States, the price for porcelain veneers is typically in the range of $900 - $2,500 per tooth, major Turkish clinics typically do the same treatment for $220 to $440.—
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Here, design details like DaVinci roofing and Arriscraft Walnut brick veneer accent the various structures alongside a large swimming pool and hot tub, a ping-pong pavilion, and a grilling area.—
Verb
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As a result, this is not a last-minute, turn-up-and-go destination, but experienced tour operators can help smooth the path.—
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Check out more skin-smoothing K-beauty favorites below.—
Noun
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Right after the holidays, the tween posted TikTok videos of her wearing the statement necklace with a blue camouflage jacket, black pleated skirt and a bright blue wig.—
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But hemagglutinin isn't just protein; the protein becomes partly covered in sugar molecules borrowed from the host cell (known as glycosylation), which act as a type of camouflage for the virus.—
Verb
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Sports Equipment While the dishwasher isn't ideal for cleaning baseball caps, uniforms, or equipment heavily-coated with mud, a trip through a dishwasher cycle is ideal to remove bacteria and odors from mouth guards and hard plastic shin guards.—
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The outer layer of the capsule is made from gelatin coated with a layer of cellulose and either molybdenum or tungsten, which blocks any RF signal from being emitted.—
Verb
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To serve, let the frozen rolls thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight (still in their pan), then bake in a 375˚F oven for fifteen to twenty minutes and glaze with the hot golden syrup (do not skip this step), as per the instructions below.—
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If your child prefers sweetness, glaze carrots with a little honey or ketchup (try Simply Heinz Ketchup, which is made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup).—
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnish. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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