VARNISHING Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

varnishing

verb

present participle of varnish

as in polishing

to cover (something) with varnish He varnished the table.

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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 varnishing Like most ’80s metal heroes who briefly lost their way in the late ’90s, Megadeth have spent the 21st century varnishing their legacy with what’s tried and true, delivering eight LPs since 2001 that all basically sound the same. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for varnishing

Verb

The Duchess of Edinburgh even got hands-on experience shaping and polishing a quartz gemstone.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Before Bay Area readers start polishing their debate trophies, remember these studies are conversation starters, not final verdicts.

— James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

The bigger claim making the rounds, that a few minutes of face rubbing can quiet your body’s stress response, is where dermatologists urge a little caution.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.

— Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

When styling this haircut, use a smoothing serum or oil, which will come in handy after the hair is dry.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Also hard at work are ectoin and panthenol, which are rockstars for reducing inflammation, smoothing texture, and, similarly to beta-glucan, forming a protective seal over your skin to keep moisture in and external stressors out.

— Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

Electron beams replace ovens Ateios says the process enables coating speeds of 30 meters per minute across a 300-millimeter-wide web.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Locals and government officials were clearing debris and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town.

— Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of coating

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varnishes

varnishing

vary

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Style

“Varnishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/varnishing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of varnishing

verb

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