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
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
These rare prints often feature extra-rich colors and sounds, and can have a graininess that true movie buffs love.
—Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025
After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
Hesse is infectiously charismatic, and seeing 15 minutes of his film footage digitized for the first time is a treat for history buffs.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
These rare prints often feature extra-rich colors and sounds, and can have a graininess that true movie buffs love.
—Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
Steel wool is a bit too effective and will buff away the seasoning.
—Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025
After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
This is slightly digressive, but Tunde and his lover, early on in the novel, have this big argument in Lahaina, in Hawaii.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Sonic lovers can add a personalized touch to their drink for a limited time at no cost.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The first trailer for the film, which IndieWire is sharing below, shows Good’s mother more comfortable nude in her home in the sweltering rainforest than shopping for bras at a department store.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Chiles’ other shoe of choice so far has been the Arika Nerguiz Alameda style in a light nude.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bathroom Sinks and Mirrors Bathroom mirrors and sinks are quick to show signs of use over the course of a week, and rubbing them down will make all of the difference.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Her words rubbed viewers and other contestants the wrong way, prompting a spat with fellow contestant Debbie.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Remove any canes that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as well as any suckers that have formed.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
-
What sort of a cinephile isn’t a sucker for movies about movies?—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Either way, there’s something wholesome about this movement, despite the partial nudity.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Naked bike rides as a form of protest are not uncommon in major cities across the USA, and in Oregon, public nudity is considered a legal form of protest.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Additional changes in the new beach include a stabilizing stone wall, dry prairie grasses to deter birds and sand with larger grain size.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Reiss’ script was a Black List find that either wasn’t reworked enough by committee or so sanded down in the studio churn that all personality was drained in the process.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Its style was in many ways a refinement of the final run of Diablos, smoothing and polishing the old car’s edges while adding strength and modernity to the design.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up time by 10 to 15 minutes over several nights can help smooth the transition and get everyone back on schedule.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share