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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buffing
These provide enough force for buffing out scratches without further damaging the surface.
—
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Instead, Bungie rolled out a TWAB last week that was nerfing player progression instead of buffing it.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Shea butter steps in to soothe your skin after buffing, while the lavender scent transforms your shower into a relaxing aromatherapeutic moment.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 25 Aug. 2025
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
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Instead, Bungie rolled out a TWAB last week that was nerfing player progression instead of buffing it.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Shea butter steps in to soothe your skin after buffing, while the lavender scent transforms your shower into a relaxing aromatherapeutic moment.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 25 Aug. 2025
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
-
Bathroom Sinks and Mirrors Bathroom mirrors and sinks are quick to show signs of use over the course of a week, and rubbing them down will make all of the difference.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Leave it on dirty spots for just a minute before rubbing residue away with a soft cloth.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At one point, convinced that one of the screenwriters who was on set polishing the script was leaking information to Weinstein, Scorsese rushed into the office and flung his desk out the window.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
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Venus ends its Virgo run in your communication house, polishing your words with discernment.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Even the DeSantis administration might have some qualms about sanding off crosswalk markings within sight of the club where 49 people died in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
-
The acid can stain or discolor the surface, possibly requiring sanding to remove.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Spanx Supersmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Micro Flare Pant Speaking of smoothing, these dress pants have compression from waist to knee and a subtle flare leg — like your favorite yoga pants but office appropriate.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture within each hair fiber, glycerin locks in hydration while smoothing the cuticle, and dimethicone helps detangle and create a sleek, polished finish.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Nov. 2025
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After more than a decade grinding in the pop machine, something about Zara Larsson finally clicked this summer.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Patterson, then a 20-year department veteran, entered settlement talks with the city several years after filing the lawsuit.—
Amber Gaudet,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Others advised legal action, beginning with filing a police report.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That the film introduces the possibility the missile might prove to be a dud further deepens its sense of uncertainty, sharpening the fear and chaos around the decision-making process.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
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Dressed in a plain baby blue spaghetti-strap top, the 31-year-old is having her glam squad ready her, meticulously curling her waist-length extensions and sharpening her cat-eye eyeliner.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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