buffing

verb

present participle of buff
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

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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 Most people use the miracle sponge for buffing out wall or floor scuffs, but Macqueen’s recommendation is an eye-opener. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 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, 6 July 2026 Use an applicator pad (often supplied with the wax) and start buffing with a fresh microfiber towel. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 For appliances and fixtures such as faucets, start by sprinkling baking soda onto a damp rag, and buffing the stainless steel gently to clean and brighten. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026 Ngo coats the nail with a matte primer, which creates a smooth base, before buffing eye shadow across the surface with a nail sponge. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026 Keep one slightly damp microfiber cloth for cleaning and one dry microfiber cloth for buffing. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Finish by cleaning the area with the vinegar and water mixture and buffing it to a shine. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing
  1. rubbing
  2. polishing
  3. sanding
  4. smoothing
  5. grinding
  6. filing
  7. sharpening
Verb
  • Republicans are rubbing their hands in glee at the neocommunist advance in their opposing party.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than rubbing the stain deeper into the fabric, blotting motions will gently remove as much product as possible.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rubbing
Verb
  • For many job seekers, writing another version of a resume or polishing a LinkedIn profile isn't the hard part.
    — Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Under this law, employers are required to take steps to protect workers, such as providing protective respirators and using water to suppress dust, when employees are cutting, grinding or polishing slabs.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of polishing
Verb
  • The rooms All Volcanoes lodges are hand-built and use no machinery (apart from sanding) by their team of builders, carpenters, welders, and fundi/artisans, from the papyrus roof to the bedside lamps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Prep the Wood Prep the wood for stain by stripping and sanding any existing paint, coating, or sealant that could hinder the stain’s penetration.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
Definition of sanding
Verb
  • Brook actually recommends skipping volumizing sprays—which can make dense hair feel bulky—and instead smoothing a lightweight oil like Biolage All-In-One Multi-Benefit Oil through the lengths for shine and frizz control.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Whether or not motion smoothing metadata is needed is up to the content creators to decide (and for forum threads to debate).
    — John Higgins, The Verge, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of smoothing
Verb
  • The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Buy The stainless-steel drain of the Composer One garbage disposal seals to dampen sound while grinding food.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of grinding
Verb
  • LaPlaca's husband, Jason Carty, was also charged with knowingly filing a false petition and other offenses in the case.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Harvard Business School’s Josh Lerner and his co-authors dug into who is actually filing the patents behind the 14 technology areas the Pentagon deems critical—advanced computing, space technology, AI, hypersonics and biotech.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of filing
Verb
  • The Virgo Moon moves through your 3rd House of Communication, sharpening your attention to words, timing, errands, and local conversations.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Boeing is transferring Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid to Archer Aviation, a strategic move aimed at sharpening its focus on core commercial and defense aircraft production amidst a record $715 billion backlog.
    — Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of sharpening

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buffi
buffing
buffo
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Cite this Entry

“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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