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

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019