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
Lydia Wang, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025
The collection has been described as a road trip companion for Black history buffs and bookstore fanatics.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
The same method as cleaning linoleum works for buffing scratches or scuffs out of patent leather, soft white leather, sneaker midsoles, or vinyl.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
This elegant Greek name is also perfect for theater buffs.
—Lydia Wang, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025
The collection has been described as a road trip companion for Black history buffs and bookstore fanatics.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
While fine-grade steel wool should never be used on indoor appliances and countertops, some outdoor stainless steel items can withstand a light buffing with the material.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
The same method as cleaning linoleum works for buffing scratches or scuffs out of patent leather, soft white leather, sneaker midsoles, or vinyl.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
The attire will be a return to form for Combs, a fashion lover who partly rose to superstardom with the success of his Sean John clothing brand.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
-
Other phantoms visit, including Darin’s early girlfriend Connie Francis (Gracie Lawrence), but all lovers fade in the face of larger losses.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Gisele Bündchen’s steamy bronze glow in 1999 was just as prescient, elevating bombshell nudes into the gold standard of summer makeup.—
Sophie Schulte-Hillen,
Vogue,
2 May 2025
-
While the season is often filled with soft pastels (hi, lavender milk nails) and shimmery nudes, some celebs have decided to go in a different direction this season.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This is an effective way to acknowledge foresight without rubbing it in, says Malka Shaw, a licensed clinical social worker in Nutley, N.J.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
-
But the act of gently rubbing castor oil into the abdomen may be soothing.—
Justin Laube,
EverydayHealth.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The usual approach looks like this: find the job, polish your resume, hit apply, and hope for the best.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Under Ledru, Tiffany is polishing the brand by linking its legacy to the now.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For households seeking more cooling options, the lineup at Della home appliance also includes window AC units, portable ACs, central air systems, and a new tower fan set to launch in May.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
Josh Hartnett’s kids were not fans of the hair transformation that their dad underwent for his new film, Fight or Flight.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
9 May 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
-
The Red Sox may be hoping a similar meeting in Kansas City can smooth things over with their star player.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
From high-proof powerhouses to smooth, easy sippers, this list highlights ten bourbons that deserve more love.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The Trump administration has characterized that role as one for suckers, in which the United States restrained its hard power and allowed other countries to bleed its wealth.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
-
These stems, called suckers, are a different variety than the top growth and will have different flowers, as well as drawing energy and resources away from the main plant.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share