HUFF Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'huff' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of huff are dudgeon , offense , pique , resentment , and umbrage . While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause. // in a huff he slammed the door

Q: Where would 'dudgeon' be a reasonable alternative to 'huff'?

Although the words dudgeon and huff have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation. // stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

Q: When is 'offense' a more appropriate choice than 'huff'?

While in some cases nearly identical to huff , offense implies hurt displeasure. // takes deep offense at racial slurs

Q: When can 'pique' be used instead of 'huff'?

The synonyms pique and huff are sometimes interchangeable, but pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity. // in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

Q: When might 'resentment' be a better fit than 'huff'?

In some situations, the words resentment and huff are roughly equivalent. However, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will. // harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

Q: In what contexts can 'umbrage' take the place of 'huff'?

The words umbrage and huff are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives. // took umbrage at the offer of advice

huff 1 of 2

noun

Definition of huff next

as in fuss

a state of nervous or irritated concern was in a huff because everyone was running late and the school bus would stop to pick them up in a matter of minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in scene

an outburst or display of excited anger gets all in a huff every time anyone makes the slightest criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in anger

the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity left the restaurant in a huff after waiting 15 minutes to be seated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

huff

2 of 2

verb

ˈhəf

as in to rave

to talk loudly and wildly demanding to speak to the manager, he huffed about the rudeness of the sales assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word huff distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of huff are dudgeon, offense, pique, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Where would dudgeon be a reasonable alternative to huff?

Although the words dudgeon and huff have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When is offense a more appropriate choice than huff?

While in some cases nearly identical to huff, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When can pique be used instead of huff?

The synonyms pique and huff are sometimes interchangeable, but pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When might resentment be a better fit than huff?

In some situations, the words resentment and huff are roughly equivalent. However, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

In what contexts can umbrage take the place of huff?

The words umbrage and huff are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 huff

Noun

Feel free to let out a disappointed huff as the episode concludes. —

Vulture, 21 Dec. 2023 The quiet huff of snow and wind is broken by the distant thunder of avalanche bombs, and the beep and scrape of snowplows. —

Heather Hansman, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2023

Verb

The guardian huffed and slammed the door shut, but a moment later, metal clunked, and the door was opened. —

Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024 Alas, in her scrap with the Gulper, Lucy manages to smash a bag full of vials that the Ghoul has been huffing. —

Jack King, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for huff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for huff

Noun

The film’s chief distinction is that it was shot entirely on an iPhone, supposedly allowing for greater freedom and spontaneity as the cast and crew were able to shoot in real locations without making much of a fuss.

— Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
So, without further fuss, here are my predictions for the main categories for the 97th Academy Awards.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025