as in breeze
a slight or gentle movement of air
felt a puff of wind on his face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to stroke
to praise too much
a talk show host who can be counted on to puff up the celebrities who readily consent to be interviewed
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 puff
Marcia Dunn, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
If you’re headed to brunch with friends, wear this top with Swiss-dot puff sleeves with wide-leg jeans and clogs.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Kat Tran, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025
The pivotal early locomotive—a travelling steam engine rather than one fixed to the ground—puffed through the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s Georgian landscape.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for puff
Noun
Resembling a small pale puff, the twirling dust devil popped up 3 miles behind the rover during this month’s photo shoot.
—Marcia Dunn, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
If you’re headed to brunch with friends, wear this top with Swiss-dot puff sleeves with wide-leg jeans and clogs.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
For every buttery, puffed cookie encrusted with funfetti rainbow sprinkles, the co-op will donate $1 to the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
Pride Punch at Masa Masa in Roseville
Roseville taco shop Masa Masa, located at 2310 Pleasant Grove Blvd., is offering a Pride Punch ($5) through June.
—Kat Tran, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025
The pivotal early locomotive—a travelling steam engine rather than one fixed to the ground—puffed through the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s Georgian landscape.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for puff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puff
Noun
-
The thick glass holds up well against the elements and is a breeze to clean.—
Jamie Fischer,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
-
The unexpected cool breeze on this hot afternoon reminded her that each day need not be an echo of the one before.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Breathing difficulties: The shock of sudden cold-water exposure can cause bouts of wheezing, gasping, and rapid breathing (hyperventilating).—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
-
Symptoms include snoring, gasping during sleep, waking up tired and difficulty falling or staying asleep Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) This condition is caused by the inflammatory proteins that are present in both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome, Dupati says.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Flow Space,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Facing two strikes, Ramírez stroked a single off reliever Jared Koenig into left field, bringing home two runs.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
-
In central Gaza, a boy stroked the face of his dead sister, 6-year-old Heba Abu Etiwi, in a morgue at Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Lily rolled over, now, onto her back, away from her husband’s meticulous ledgers, and tried to capture her breath, which along with her heart, these days, had the habit of running away from her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 July 2025
-
Beyond performance, breath plays a key role in understanding chronic disease.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Summer is the time for road trips, camping, and beach days — but for many of our furry friends, the sun and high temperatures can lead to overheating (signaled by your dog excessively panting and lying prone).—
Jeaneen Russell,
People.com,
18 June 2025
-
Dogs everywhere — barking, panting and running away from their owners — was the scene Tuesday at a pop-up wellness clinic for pets at the Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Campus Place in downtown St. Paul.—
Safiya Mohamed,
Twin Cities,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
2 July 2024
-
Enjoy flavored nuts, such as those that are candied, glazed, or honied, in moderation.—
Selene Yeager,
Health,
24 Feb. 2024
Verb
-
The fast-absorbing oil can be massaged onto damp skin post-shower, or drop it into the bath for a fragrant, skin-nourishing soak.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
28 June 2025
-
Standard features include heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, with the usual upgrades – but none truly groundbreaking – available.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Among those congratulating Affleck on Instagram are her Mormon Wives co-stars, and fellow moms-to-be Mayci Neeley and Mikayla Matthews.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
3 July 2025
-
Keynote speaker and commanding officer Marine Corps Col. Kwabena K. Gyimah shared his personal journey as a son of parents who immigrated from Ghana and congratulated the troops.—
David J. Bohnet,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puff. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share