View synonyms for veneer

veneer

[ vuh-neer ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a thin layer of wood or other material for facing or inlaying wood.
any of the thin layers of wood glued together to form plywood.
Building Trades. a facing of a certain material applied to a different one or to a type of construction not ordinarily associated with it, as a facing of brick applied to a frame house.
a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance:
a cruel person with a veneer of kindliness.
Synonyms: guise, mask, show, front, facade

verb (used with object)

to overlay or face (wood) with thin sheets of some material, as a fine wood, ivory, or tortoise shell.
to face or cover (an object) with any material that is more desirable as a surface material than the basic material of the object; revet.
to cement (layers of wood veneer) to form plywood.
to give a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance to.

veneer

/ vɪˈnɪə /

noun

a thin layer of wood, plastic, etc, with a decorative or fine finish that is bonded to the surface of a less expensive material, usually wood
a superficial appearance, esp one that is pleasing
a veneer of gentility
any facing material that is applied to a different backing material
any one of the layers of wood that is used to form plywood

verb

to cover (a surface) with a veneer
to bond together (thin layers of wood) to make plywood
to conceal (something) under a superficially pleasant surface

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Derived Forms

veˈneerer, noun

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Other Words From

ve·neerer noun
unve·neered adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of veneer¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; earlier fineering, faneering, from German Fourni(e)rung, Furni(e)rung (from furni(e)ren “to furnish,” from French fournir; furnish ) + -ung -ing ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of veneer¹

C17: from German furnieren to veneer, from Old French fournir to furnish

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Example Sentences

You managed to maintain that veneer of decency throughout the first year of your time with Louise, but you couldn't maintain it in the early part of 2024.

From BBC

The waters surrounding each resort tell the place’s unique tale and steadily scrub the veneers off each person.

From Salon

The unassuming doctor was thought to have flown under the radar for so long after building a veneer of trust among his patients.

From BBC

All it takes to be an American great is confidence, a lust for money, a veneer of glamour, and enough people to stay silent about the crimes that would make that story into a lie.

From Salon

And having Christian leaders from every corner lie about history puts a moral veneer on it as if lying is a holy act rather than a sin.

From Salon

Related Words

vendue veneering

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