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.
If oil prices cool sustainably, that could reduce the need to raise interest rates, burnishing the non-interest-bearing metal’s appeal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 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 understood the role of the press in communicating the Fed’s thinking and in burnishing his reputation.
From Barron's ● Feb. 27, 2026
But by not insisting on cabinet positions in return for their votes in parliament, the People's Party allowed Anutin to fill his cabinet with capable technocrats, burnishing his credentials as a can-do leader.
From BBC ● Feb. 9, 2026
The light shifted during the afternoon and cascaded through the clean windows, burnishing the room with gold.
From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick
