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

Relevance

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 Rather than drawing a precise border around the lips, the technique involves buffing pigment outward to create a hazy, almost airbrushed effect. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing

Verb

The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Small amounts of surface rust or rust that can be removed simply by rubbing a paper towel over the surface, is okay.

— Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

Nowadays, machinery like edge polishers make calibration, grinding, shaping and beveling possible with great ease and high-pressure waterjet cutting and polishing systems used for complex contours and sensitive materials.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Small updates like polishing or new hardware can elevate your kitchen’s look with minimal effort.

— Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning formula uses the brand’s 3D Lip Complex, which blends bidens pilosa extract—known for its anti-inflammatory properties and smoothing effect—with cotton seed and linseed oil to help even texture and soften the skin.

— Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
It’s made with Bioheal’s signature Probioderm complex, the same fine-line-smoothing ingredient that landed the brand’s eye cream on Vogue’s list of the best Korean formulas.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of smoothing

Verb

But a mulching mower also does a great job of grinding up leaves.

— David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026
Fallbrook High School has seen numerous momentum swings over the span of time, and just two years after grinding through a winless season, the Warriors were hosting a Friday night playoff game again.

— Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of grinding

Verb

The same month, OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens after state attorneys general launched an investigation into the company's safety practices, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, filing a lawsuit in June.

— Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Throughout Election Day, and into the night, The New Yorker will provide live updates on election results, with reporters filing dispatches from battleground states nationwide and columnists offering fresh analysis as votes start to come in.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of filing

Verb

The co-founders are bullish on the technology’s potential, touting benefits from alleviating depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue to sharpening focus, improving decision-making and boosting athletic performance.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
Israeli and American leaders have been sharpening their threats before elections in both countries, while Iranian leaders have remained defiant.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of sharpening

Browse Nearby Words

buffi

buffing

buffo

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of buffing

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

defer

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes