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
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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
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1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buff
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 June 2025
The initiative will be headlined by Ken Burns’ next big doc, the six-part, 12-hour The American Revolution, but history buffs — and Burns buffs — already knew about that one.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2025
Most nail strips include an alcohol wipe to dehydrate your nails and a nail file to buff them down so the strips stick better.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
Plus, it’s enriched with colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract, and bisabolol, which soothes skin after a good buff.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 June 2025
The initiative will be headlined by Ken Burns’ next big doc, the six-part, 12-hour The American Revolution, but history buffs — and Burns buffs — already knew about that one.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
Verb
Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff it onto stainless steel surfaces, following the direction of the grain.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2025
Most nail strips include an alcohol wipe to dehydrate your nails and a nail file to buff them down so the strips stick better.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
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Here are performances music lovers won’t want to miss.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
19 June 2025
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Any dinosaur lovers at home should be eating up this documentary special series on PBS this week.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
Most brands typically offer at least 10 shades, including everything from flattering nudes to bold reds.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
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As in 2022, Princess Kate accessorized the dress with nude, suede pumps and a yellow clutch, as well as a matching Philip Treacy hat, which features a floral detail under the brim.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Spray each area of the body for at least six seconds from just a few inches away, and then rub it in.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
16 June 2025
-
Just slice an onion and rub it along the grates using tongs.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Other procedures like polishing restorations, ceramic crowns, using elastics, orthodontic appliances, and so on can generate particles.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Most people think stand-up comics spend decades polishing their act to get good at telling jokes.—
Nate Jackson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Partnering with Horror, Inc. and Angry Orchard who share our passion has opened up a new way to engage fans.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
26 June 2025
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Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed the news in a letter to fans in 2024.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Hand-turned and sanded from a durable walnut wood, this one is finished with a food-safe beeswax oil blend, according to East Fork Pottery.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2025
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But the popularity of sanding down the tension and defining characteristics out of romances has also inadvertently sanded down much of the character diversity.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2025
Verb
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According to Richie, her new chop was a result of hair damage from keratin treatments, which uses chemicals to smooth frizzy or curly hair.—
Bella Cacciatore,
Glamour,
27 June 2025
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Offering a civic-minded channel devoted to displaying democracy in action helped smooth the path for the pay TV industry’s expansion.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Just the luck of the draw, the bouncing balls, and thanks for your services, suckers….—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
12 June 2025
-
Yes, ultimately, Joe fell for the lie, but not like a sucker.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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