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
Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 May 2026
The Westchester Township History Center is on the same block as the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, a benefit for history buffs.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
All sleek lines of Range Rover perfection, shining like it's been buffed by the soft bellies of kittens.
—ABC News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 May 2026
The Westchester Township History Center is on the same block as the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, a benefit for history buffs.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Verb
The shoes are designed for both poolside lounging and fancier occasions in mind, since they can be easily wiped dry and buffed with a leather cleansing cream for a polished look.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
All sleek lines of Range Rover perfection, shining like it's been buffed by the soft bellies of kittens.
—ABC News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
In recent years, sourdough has become a popular choice for bread lovers.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
-
With a full orchestra, full choir, that's just something that's amazing to me a true music lover.—
Damien Henderson,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Both manage to grow up and leave their limited Indiana environs and both develop as artists (the drawings of nudes Cricket specializes in are Eggers’ work).—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
Fake nudes of the singer have spread widely online.—
Daryl Lim,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
To rub salt into the wounds of longtime fans, MLB agreed to waive its $300 million relocation fee.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
To season uncoated grates, rub them with a thin layer of oil and wipe away any excess.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Tasker and Grimm care for the space almost every day — watering plants, sweeping away sand, polishing the phone.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
-
The relaxed fit keeps it comfortable in warm weather while still looking polished enough for evenings out.—
Amanda Eyre Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
One- or 2-foot-long suckers will produce enough bait chunks for an entire day of fishing.—
Chad Mason,
Outdoor Life,
3 June 2026
-
This revealed that the creature had short arms, few arm suckers, and no ink sac, as well as having very smooth skin and a large rachidian tooth.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Sometimes, being sexy has nothing to do with nudity.—
Megan Vick,
Variety,
13 June 2026
-
Other optional controls include the ability to blur nudity and gore in Photos, Messages, and FaceTime.—
Edward Mendelson,
PC Magazine,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
During a walk-through for reporters on Thursday, construction noises — particularly sanding and hammering — could be heard.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
-
Then sanding, priming, spraying back at my own shop to create numerous avatars of her including a male trixter hero version named the ‘Frozen Charlatan’ who is the chrome metallic alter ego.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Its main ingredient, chebula, is a potent antioxidant that smooths and brightens skin.—
Christina Butan,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
-
Add to the prepared baking pan and smooth into an even layer.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
