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Antonyms for varnish


Grammar : Verb
Spell : vahr-nish
Phonetic Transcription : ˈvɑr nɪʃ



Definition of varnish

Origin :
  • mid-14c., from Old French vernis "varnish" (12c.), from Medieval Latin vernix "odorous resin," perhaps from Late Greek verenike, from Greek Berenike, name of an ancient city in Libya (modern Bengasi) credited with the first use of varnishes. The town is named for Berenike II, queen of Egypt (see Berenice). Figurative sense of "specious gloss, pretense," is recorded from 1560s.
  • verb add a layer to; embellish
Example sentences :
  • He drew a match along the arm of the chair where the varnish was worn off.
  • Extract from : « Chip, of the Flying U » by B. M. Bower
  • After they are well buttered, varnish them all over with a feather, dipped in the yolk of an egg stirred up with a little beer.
  • Extract from : « The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, » by Mary Eaton
  • For pales and weather boards this varnish is superior to paint, and much cheaper than what is commonly used for that purpose.
  • Extract from : « The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, » by Mary Eaton
  • This varnish will set, or keep its place on the silk in four hours, the silk may then be turned and varnished on the other side.
  • Extract from : « The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, » by Mary Eaton
  • Nice, slick-lookin' craft she was, too, all varnish and gilt gorgeousness.
  • Extract from : « The Depot Master » by Joseph C. Lincoln
  • He cast his eye around upon the prevailing hair-cloth and varnish.
  • Extract from : « Dr. Sevier » by George W. Cable
  • But a dab of varnish, a touch of gilding here and there, was all that was necessary.
  • Extract from : « Chance » by Joseph Conrad
  • She imagined it all new, fresh with varnish, piled up as in a warehouse.
  • Extract from : « To-morrow » by Joseph Conrad
  • The paint and varnish drop from the woodwork like so much sand.
  • Extract from : « Common Science » by Carleton W. Washburne
  • There's the varnish, too, like earth on each side of a furrow.
  • Extract from : « The Return of Sherlock Holmes » by Arthur Conan Doyle

Synonyms for varnish

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