buff 1 of 2

noun

ˈbəf How to pronounce buff (audio)
Definition of buffnext
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

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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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buff

2 of 2

verb

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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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
Noun
Hearing so many isolated instrumental tracks does make for some discoveries that maybe were already obvious to the most attentive Beatles buffs, but might still be surprising to others of us. — Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026 The fairytale 12th-century castle, Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) has enough battlements, turrets and crenellations to satisfy history buffs and small children. — Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
This is his warmest and most charming turn yet — his edges buffed out in a good way. — Katie Walsh, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026 Video of the restoration showed the new star, at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, being buffed, sanded and repainted. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
  1. lover
  2. nude
  3. rub
  4. polish
  5. sucker
  6. nudity
  7. sand
  8. smooth
Noun
  • Now comes Netflix’s spin on the romantic comedy to end all romantic comedies, starring Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden as the characters at the center of literature’s original enemies-to-lovers trope.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • While the drinks at Bastia, which are riffs on classic aperitivos and Italian-leaning cocktails, are excellent, cocktail lovers should pay a visit to Caletta, the hotel’s intimate 24-seat cocktail lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • Cooler undertones often work with rosy nudes while warmer undertones pair better with shades that carry golden warmth, Correa told Cosmopolitan.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Depending on complexion and undertone, a flattering nude can read pink, peach, caramel, mauve or brown rather than a traditional beige.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of nude
Verb
  • For small spots and stains, gently rub them with an art gum eraser.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of rub
Verb
  • Not only is Robert Carlock and Sam Means’ NBC sitcom designed to squeeze in as many jokes as the human brain can process in 21-minute chunks, it’s also carefully paced and polished to keep those jokes as superb and surprising as possible.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Her rich, raven-black shade was polished to a mirror-like shine.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • How could anyone in the military support a repulsive, draft-dodging coward who called dead soldiers suckers and losers?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The theory seems to be that there will always be another crop of suckers willing to pump money into the ecosystem, so the market will provide.
    — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of sucker
Noun
  • The scene, which features full-frontal nudity, contributed to the film’s R rating.
    — Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The nudity in the movies, if one were to get analytical about these things, actually had a purpose beyond titillation.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of nudity
Verb
  • To hold it in my lap and sand down the spot where my story was engraved.
    — Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Whatever marks that remain after pulling the supports away and curing the parts are easily ground or sanded away.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sand
Verb
  • The relaxed legs offer plenty of room to move, while the elegant pleats create a flattering drape that helps smooth visible lines.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of smooth

Phrases Containing buff

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buds
buff
buffalo
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Cite this Entry

“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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