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 Use this to wipe the entire surface, buffing in the direction of the grain. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026 How to Remove Scratches on Stainless Steel Gentleness is key when buffing out light scratches on stainless steel appliances. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 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

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The forward has also trademarked his nickname ‘Cold Palmer’, a nod to his celebration, crossing and rubbing his arms as though to warm himself up.

— Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

Live Edit, Video Capture, and Formats Snap Pro 26 continues to build on past iterations' strengths by keeping what worked and further polishing it.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Founders often spend too much time polishing the story when skeptical early adopters are looking for evidence of execution.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

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
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

Definition of sanding

Verb

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
The combination bristles feel amazing on my scalp (like the best head scratch ever) while also smoothing my incredibly frizzy hair.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

Its core 1970s grinding yet melodic bluesy approach didn’t shift when synthesizers became the rage in the 1980s or when grunge overtook the rock world in the 1990s.

— Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The strain of ‘climbing the ladder’ The best esports players often have grinding schedules.

— Erica D. Henn, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of grinding

Verb

At risk from these reductions is the peace of mind that taxpayers are indeed filing their taxes correctly every year as systems become more strained, O’Donnell noted.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
But Azerbaijan has gone a step farther, filing a defamation suit against CNN in Delaware last week.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of filing

Verb

The Sun conjoins Mercury in Virgo and your 1st House of Self, sharpening your voice, presence, choices, and personal direction.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Truist focused on growth Truist has been sharpening its strategic focus on growth and performance.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffing

verb

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