
Description of burnish (verb) to polish by rubbing; to make shiny
Samples of burnish The vase needed to be burnished to restore its beauty.
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Description of modulate (verb) to regulate; to adjust; to vary the pitch; to control
Samples of modulate He modulated the color knob on the television set until the picture was perfect. A trained singer knows how to modulate her voice to the desired pitches.
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Description of objurgate (verb) to chide vehemently; to reprimand
Samples of objurgate The girls disliked those boys who objurgated the group.
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Description of preclude (verb) to inhibit; to make impossible; to prevent; to eliminate; to remove
Samples of preclude A healthy diet and lifestyle will not preclude you from getting ill, although it improves your immune system. Exercise may help to preclude heart disease.
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Description of discourse (verb) to communicate in an orderly fashion; to talk
Samples of discourse The scientists discoursed on a conference call for just five minutes but were able to solve three major problems. The interviewee discoursed so fluently, she was hired on the spot.
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Description of render (verb) to deliver; to provide; to give; to depict
Samples of render The Yorkville First Aid Squad was first on the scene to render assistance.
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Description of surfeit (verb) to indulge excessively; to gorge
Samples of surfeit The teenagers were warned not to surfeit at the party.
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Description of impugn (verb) to attack with words; to question the truthfulness or integrity; to challenge
Samples of impugn The defense lawyer impugned the witness's testimony, which set back the prosecution's case. If I believe the man is a fraud I will impugn his comments.
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Description of provoke (verb) to stir action or feeling; to arouse; to induce; to instigate
Samples of provoke By calling him names, he was provoking a fight.
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Description of garner (verb) to gather up and store; to collect; to accumulate; to store
Samples of garner The squirrels garnered nuts for the winter.
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