Meaning

A clear or translucent liquid coating composed of resin dissolved in a solvent, which dries by evaporation to form a hard, protective, and typically glossy finish..

Definitions by Sense

1. A clear or translucent liquid coating composed of resin dissolved in a solvent, which dries by evaporation to form a hard, protective, and typically glossy finish.
2. Anything resembling such a coating; a glossy appearance.
3. (figuratively, by extension) A deceptively showy appearance.
4. (rail transport, US, informal, dated) A passenger train, probably derived from the varnished passenger cars used at one time.
5. (intransitive) To apply varnish.
6. (transitive) To cover up with varnish.
7. (transitive) To make something superficially or deceptively attractive
8. (transitive) To gloss over a defect.

Example Sentences

the varnish of the holly and ivy

And set a double varnish on the fame / The Frenchman gave you.

Every transcontinental but two settled on the simple articulated for freight service, and all of them coupled their varnish to the 4-8-4.

varnish the report

[...] Go love thy infant; love thy wood-chopper: be good-natured and modest: have that grace; and never varnish your hard, uncharitable ambition with this incredible tenderness for black folk a thousand miles off. Thy love afar is spite at home.

Word Forms

• varnishes
• vernish
• varnishing
• varnished

Synonyms for varnish

Related Words

When Should You Use Varnish?

Use varnish when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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