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
Armond White, National Review, 2 July 2025
As most skin care buffs know, hyaluronic acid is a holy grail humectant used in skin care and makeup to retain moisture, retain elasticity, and fight aging.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
This feature is particularly problematic in a Hot Fix run, though every stage has some kind of heat source that can buff the Hiss quickly.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
For race-car film buffs, F1 is no more exciting than Grand Prix, The French Connection, The Road Warrior, Rush, the first Fast and Furious movie, or the underrated The Seven-Ups.
—Armond White, National Review, 2 July 2025
As most skin care buffs know, hyaluronic acid is a holy grail humectant used in skin care and makeup to retain moisture, retain elasticity, and fight aging.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 26 June 2025
Verb
Step 3: Buff The Countertop Using another dry, clean cloth, wipe and buff the surface of the counter.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
This feature is particularly problematic in a Hot Fix run, though every stage has some kind of heat source that can buff the Hiss quickly.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
For lovers of art, architecture, and history, don't miss the Achilleion, a palace-turned-museum that was once the private refuge of the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria.—
Mina Agnos,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
-
Thomasville is full of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture and serves as a quiet weekend retreat for lovers of architecture, gardens, and good food.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
In addition to Weber, both Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts carefully studied the secret nudes of Lynes.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
30 June 2025
-
There can be no taunting, no gloating, no petty spats, no bad-faith judgments, and no asking for nudes.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
While the two were embracing, Hughes gently rubbed Siwa's belly, fueling the pregnancy rumors.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
That reportedly rubbed him the wrong way and paved the path for his departure from Phoenix this offseason.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Define swim lanes for each spokesperson, and then polish the narrative for each.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Most high school seniors applying to selective colleges this fall don’t need a lot of advice on how to polish their personal essay or list extracurriculars.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Despite my nitpicks, comic book fans will be excited by this addition to the DC canon.—
Scott Phillips,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Brit Page himself has been a popular fan pick to play 007 since his breakout starring turn in the first season of Netflix/Shondaland’s Bridgerton.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Before cars are painted, workers still run gloved hands over them and sand smooth any tiny imperfections.—
Keith Bradsher,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Its secure seal acts like a vault around your phone to keep water and sand out and scratches off your screen.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
These pre-soaked exfoliating pads use gentle lactic acid and the brand’s Tri-Enzyme technology to smooth rough patches, fade dark spots, and give your skin that post-facial glow.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
8 July 2025
-
The lion's mane mushroom extract helps smooth any sharp edges from the THC for a mellow Friday night buzz that's perfect for zoning out with a movie.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
The reserve is heavily wooded with more than 25 tree species that are the domain of warblers, crows, wrens, hawks, woodpeckers, sap suckers, owls, bald eagles, vultures and great herons.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
-
When my daughter and I are outside, these pesky blood suckers feast.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share