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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025
History buffs will find plenty to love in Boston, the city where modern America was born.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
Local history buffs know that while the bank started in San Francisco, its first branch outside that city was in San Jose (and a replica of that branch is at History Park).
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025
History buffs will find plenty to love in Boston, the city where modern America was born.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
While the community almost unanimously welcomed the intention of buffing older characters, the reaction to the other changes were a bit more mixed.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
Rick scoops Chelsea up in his arms before being shot himself and falling into the water with his lover, where the two die together.—
Audrey Gibbs,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
-
From Norfolk in the east on Chesapeake Bay to Charlottesville in the Appalachian Mountains to the northwest, Virginia is for art lovers this month.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That means placing a tiny flower or fruit design on a nude, sheer pink, or milky white nail.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Although dark, thick liner encircled her lash line, her lipstick was a more muted, peach-toned nude.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Pearl rubbed Broome’s back as the cart took off down the concourse.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Adding to its innovation, the 'Monaco' integrates honeycomb thermoplastic heel technology, providing convenience by allowing natural motion without stiffness or rigidity, rubbing away material in other shoemakers usually.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
As part of its comeback efforts, Farfetch has been polishing the machinery of the business as well, slashing clearance and markdown activity, and extending its free returns policy to 30 days.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Buff and Shine Next, a buffing wheel polishes the pieces to remove any rough edges or scratches.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The wait is over for fans anticipating the beginning of Grand Slam Track.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Add Pierce Brosnan to the list of George Clooney's fans!—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This is a major project that requires dismantling, sanding, stripping, and prepping cabinets properly for the best-looking results.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Corbet’s real crush is on the 1990s and 2000s products of high-end, coffee-table-book designers such as Tadao Ando or Peter Zumthor, who favoured singular, funeral monuments, with an obsessive sanding away of brutalism’s rugged surfaces.—
Matt Shaw,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
There’s no math or history class that can teach you how to smooth that over.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Financial markets and the economy could be in for further turbulence, but the right dividend-paying stocks may help smooth the ride, according to Jefferies.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Just thinking about the poor suckers who had to guard her in high school makes Fudd pity them.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
These giant in-lines mimic large prey like suckers and perch.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share