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
Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025
History buffs will find plenty to love in Boston, the city where modern America was born.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Sarah Han, Allure, 22 Feb. 2025
Two years ago a former sous chef there posted photos of the restaurant on a Kansas City history buffs Facebook page that led to nearly 300 comments.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
Local history buffs know that while the bank started in San Francisco, its first branch outside that city was in San Jose (and a replica of that branch is at History Park).
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025
History buffs will find plenty to love in Boston, the city where modern America was born.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
The stars of this formula are upcycled makgeolli lees (a byproduct of Korean rice wine), honey, kaolin clay, and rice hull powder—which together sweep away the gunk residing in your pores, gently buff away uneven texture, and with consistent use, help brighten discoloration.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 22 Feb. 2025
Two years ago a former sous chef there posted photos of the restaurant on a Kansas City history buffs Facebook page that led to nearly 300 comments.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
Cabot Creamery butter lovers may want to check their fridges following a recent recall.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
E-book lovers can also get the Kindle edition of The Handmaid’s Tale for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership; learn more here.—
Danielle Directo-Meston,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Guthrie's press release included quotes supporting the bill from first lady Melania Trump, two teen girls who were victimized with deepfake nudes, and the mother of a boy whose death led to an investigation into a possible sextortion scheme.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The way Little portrays male nudes against architecture in classical poses brings to mind sculptures of Ancient Greek Gods and the idealised male bodies depicted in ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Pearl rubbed Broome’s back as the cart took off down the concourse.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Adding to its innovation, the 'Monaco' integrates honeycomb thermoplastic heel technology, providing convenience by allowing natural motion without stiffness or rigidity, rubbing away material in other shoemakers usually.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The two-time team captain is polished in that regard.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
-
But he’s getting hurt and taken down because he’s not polished enough defensively, which should limit his upside at the top levels of the division.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Five months later, PenaVega shared the devastating news with her fans and followers.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Many fans left comments pointing out just how fierce the diva looked.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 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
-
There’s no math or history class that can teach you how to smooth that over.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Financial markets and the economy could be in for further turbulence, but the right dividend-paying stocks may help smooth the ride, according to Jefferies.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Just thinking about the poor suckers who had to guard her in high school makes Fudd pity them.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
These giant in-lines mimic large prey like suckers and perch.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share