1
as in rubbing
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polishing
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 buffing
Start by buffing a small, out-of-sight area with any cleaning solutions listed to make sure there are no reactions or damage.
—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing
Verb
-
In addition to polishing, 6D force sensors are an essential part of humanoid robots, greatly enhancing their entire performance.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2025
-
From tackling the many facets of artificial intelligence to polishing communication skills, ongoing learning is an everyday initiative for today’s savviest tech leaders.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Ah, Gloria Jean’s Coffees must be grinding some java for an adventurous soul looking to try something different than a cup of Brim or Sanka.—
David Petitti,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The first possibility is that everyone tires of a grinding trade war, sues for peace, and reaches new bilateral agreements.—
Kevin Williams,
Quartz,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the clubhouse, smoothing the path for Shohei Ohtani.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Dec. 2024
-
Powered by nourishing shea butter and jojoba oil, this silicone-free formula hydrates, softens, and enhances shine while smoothing unruly hair.—
Erin Parker,
Allure,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But even filing for arbitration could help frame Geekie’s contract.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
This includes breaking laws and not filing taxes.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share