1
as in rubbing
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polishing
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
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Recent Examples of buffing
Start by buffing a small, out-of-sight area with any cleaning solutions listed to make sure there are no reactions or damage.
—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
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, 5 Oct. 2024
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
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, 5 Oct. 2024
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing
Verb
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Even ketchup, tomato juice, or spaghetti sauce can do the trick in polishing copper.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
16 Dec. 2024
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Some edits and modifications were implemented with the goal of polishing Shakespeare’s language to fit more contemporary voices, trimming down lengthy plots, and adapting 16th-century plays to 17th-century London’s smaller theaters.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In a slow, grinding 3-2 Leafs win, Matthews carried the offensive load with a goal, a primary assist and flashes of dominant play reminiscent of his games last season.—
Joshua Kloke,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
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Grindstones are thick disks of stone — often sandstone — used for grinding, sharpening, or polishing metal objects, or for milling grains into flour.—
Jalen Williams,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In the clubhouse, smoothing the path for Shohei Ohtani.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Dec. 2024
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Powered by nourishing shea butter and jojoba oil, this silicone-free formula hydrates, softens, and enhances shine while smoothing unruly hair.—
Erin Parker,
Allure,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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And this craziness involves the incident with the boat captain at Haulover marina, the incident with the social media influencer, mysteriously filing for divorce and and then withdrawing the petition, the house fire, trolling fans after the Houston loss, among other things.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2025
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There are also situations in the e-filing context, in which a tax professional fails to e-file a return unbeknownst to the taxpayer, that courts have recently found reasonable cause.—
Andy Weiner,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near buffing
Cite this Entry
“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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