buff 1 of 2

noun

ˈbəf How to pronounce buff (audio)
Definition of buffnext
1
as in lover
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something he's such a film buff that he owns over 3,000 movies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nude
the state of having no clothes on one's body protected by a fully enclosed backyard, the couple would frequently sunbathe in the buff

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buff

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the janitor buffed the lobby floor until it shone

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of buff
Noun
At the crossroads of civilizations, this island nation has long lured design buffs with its walled villages, fairy-tale architecture, and mix of Arab and European influences. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026 The company’s goal is to appeal to history buffs and live music junkies alike. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
Her nails were bare and buffed, and makeup was light with a brown smoky eye and nude lip. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Aug. 2026 Most people use the miracle sponge for buffing out wall or floor scuffs, but Macqueen’s recommendation is an eye-opener. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
  1. lover
  2. nude
  3. rub
  4. polish
  5. sucker
  6. nudity
  7. sand
  8. smooth
Noun
  • Her daughter, who is an animal lover, has learned about marine creatures by scuba diving and going on submarine rides on their trips.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • Her biggest challenges seemed to be getting the rest of the NBA to take her seriously after previously partying with her father’s girlfriends and posing nude for Playboy magazine.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Very deep shades can make lips look smaller, and ultrapale nudes may wash you out.
    — Jenny Berg, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of nude
Verb
  • If the bracelet and watch rub against each other, scratches can occur very quickly.
    — Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Rubbing Alcohol Head to the drug store for a bottle of 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean windows.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of rub
Verb
  • Weeks for the shiny new parts to be polished up before being put on the road.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Schedule the playful thing, polish one detail, and let simple consistency make fun feel more satisfying.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • In 2019, when Altamirano was mayor pro tem, a council member accused Altamirano of sucker-punching him.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Often, a tree grows suckers in response to stress from pests, diseases, or damage, or to difficult conditions such as inadequate root space or insufficient water.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of sucker
Noun
  • The selfie is carefully cropped at the waist, narrowly skirting past Instagram’s community guidelines on nudity.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That doesn’t necessarily mean doing nudity, which Variety said isn’t something found on her account.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of nudity
Verb
  • Lightly sand the handles of a pair of wood or bamboo salad servers, then rinse and dry them.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sand
Verb
  • Investors should also not underestimate the smoothing effect of SpaceX's inclusion into major indexes like the Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The lightweight formula is packed with vitamin E and niacinamide to plump and smooth your complexion while simultaneously protecting it.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth

Phrases Containing buff

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buds
buff
buffalo
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Cite this Entry

“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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