BUFFING Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

buffing

verb

present participle of buff

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

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

Verb

Schmitt was visibly shaken up and could be seen rubbing his left knee in discomfort.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
About 30 seconds under running water, while gently rubbing the produce with your hands, does far more than a passive soak.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 2026

Definition of rubbing

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
Roughly a month before Kirk’s killing, Twiggs said Robinson asked for a Dremel, a tool used for sanding or grinding, to engrave bullets for an upcoming family hunting trip.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of sanding

Verb

Energy storage systems such as batteries play a pivotal role in smoothing renewable intermittency by absorbing excess solar and wind generation and dispatching it when production dips.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 July 2026
At less than $30 apiece, the kit has two smoothing lotion bars and a chic bamboo canister for storage.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 July 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

Pay attention to unusual rattling, buzzing, grinding or squealing sounds.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Eversource spent the better part of the spring and early summer in a wide, sideways channel, grinding between roughly $66 and $72 while the 200-day continued its long climb higher.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Definition of grinding

Verb

As part of his plea, Kohberger waived the right to appeal, but that does not preclude him from filing a new case challenging the validity of his plea agreement.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
If your full retirement age (FRA) is 67, waiting until then to file will give you about 43% more in your monthly paycheck compared to filing at 62.

— Dan Avery, CNBC, 26 July 2026

Definition of filing

Verb

The camp helps students build their endurance, while also sharpening their skills.

— Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Two sequels expanded the world, sharpening the original’s themes and cementing the series as one of Disney’s most durable modern properties.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

Definition of sharpening

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buffi

buffing

buffo

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“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffing

verb

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