burnish
verb (used with object)
to polish (a surface) by friction.
burnishing
-
present participleof burnish.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
He lost the use of his right hand after a bombing in 1981, burnishing his credentials as a Shia revolutionary who has known sacrifice.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
And all were endorsed by Zohran Mamdani, the city’s Democratic Socialist mayor, burnishing his kingmaker bona fides.
From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026
He rose through the ranks, burnishing his credentials by leading a campaign battling an ethnic rebel insurrection around crucial trade crossings with China.
From Barron's ● Dec. 23, 2025
The party sees the rule as key to burnishing its economic credibility with voters - but it will limit its room for manoeuvre if it wins office, amid the backdrop of sluggish growth forecasts.
From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2024
I stood at the window to admire the sunlight slanting over the golf course, and burnishing the bare trees on the distant hills.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
