Burnish and Rough up

Opposite meaning terms

Burnish verb - To make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure.

Usage example: burnished the floor of the ballroom to a soft luster

Show all Definitions

Rough up is an antonym for burnish.

Nearby Words: burnished, burnishing, burnisher

Rough up verb - To strike repeatedly.

Show all Definitions

Burnish is an antonym for rough up.

Cite this Source

Rough up and Burnish. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/burnish/rough_up

Burnish & Rough up. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/burnish/rough_up>.

Rough up or Burnish. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/burnish/rough_up.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "burnish" and "rough up" have occurred on timeline