burnish
verb (used with object)
to polish (a surface) by friction.
burnished
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past participleof burnish.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof burnish.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
burnishverb (used with object)to polish (a surface) by friction.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It also burnished the reputation of its low-key Northern Irish chief designer, 41, who was appointed almost exactly a year ago with the task of modernising all of Dior's fashion lines.
From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026
He may have lost some mainstream acceptance and his FX series, but has since lined his bank account and burnished his career quite handsomely.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
Stevens said his son’s value on the college market was based partly on the personal brand he burnished at a string of high-performing football programs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026
LOS ANGELES—State Farm has burnished its reputation as the country’s largest home and auto insurer with its “good neighbor” slogan.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 2, 2026
Its beak shone like burnished gold, and its eyes glinted like jet set in yellow stones; its huge white wings were half lifted.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
