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

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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

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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 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, 6 Sep. 2026 Classes and skills lean into different styles of play; Astromech droids are entirely support-focused, generating AP (action points) and buffing the party, while the Assault is focused on heavy damage and drawing aggro. — Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Rapinchuk adds that a Magic Eraser is a useful cleaning tool for buffing out scuffs and marks. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026 Start by pushing back your cuticles, lightly buffing your nails, and filing the tips for a nice and tidy canvas. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 8 Aug. 2026 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 Use an applicator pad (often supplied with the wax) and start buffing with a fresh microfiber towel. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing

Verb

One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Danger, Olivo, and Mosco had just eaten by the gazebo and Damaris was rubbing her pup’s head goodnight, about to go into the shack.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

Running a raw, unedited Q&A shows the reality of the technology without a corporate PR team polishing the rough edges or hiding the structural failures.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
Some jobs that previously relied on hand craftsmanship but can now be automated made the top 10, including patternmakers and grinding and polishing workers.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

For more than five decades, the brand has grown without sanding down the personality that made its original spaces memorable.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.

— Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sanding

Verb

Its stretchy, wireless design has extra coverage and smoothing side panels that create a cleaner silhouette without squeezing.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
The formula includes lactic acid, a chemical exfoliator that breaks down dead skin, for a double dose of skin-smoothing power.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

The process begins by crushing and grinding magnets before digestion and separation of base metals, including iron, manganese, aluminum, nickel, copper, and boron.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
But the wins have, largely, been grinding contests reliant on perfect pitching and nail-biting relief.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of grinding

Verb

Outside of the custody proceedings, Ortiz appeared to be litigious, filing a flurry of small claims suits.

— Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Local 42 responds Local 42 President Dan Heizman responded to the directive in a message to members that was obtained by The Star, saying the union — which represents KCFD employees with the rank of captain or below — will be filing a grievance.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of filing

Verb

Beyond that, sharpening a feel for when the initial danger has diminished should help the quarterback find a little extra time and space to reset and attack.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The plant contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound that alters perception and mood, sharpening the senses and amplifying feelings of empathy and connection.

— Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffing

verb

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