as in lovers
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something
he's such a film buff that he owns over 3,000 movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in rubs
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polishes
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 buffs
Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
This list of things to do in Belize features ideas for everyone, from adventurers and history buffs to foodies and travelers looking to chill out on a lounge chair in the sun.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Leonard Nimoy inspired an entire generation of space fans, sci-fi buffs and pioneering scientists with his portrayal of Spock, the first officer of the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek series.
—Ian Stokes, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
All car buffs have a type—including one accused of resorting to illicit means to add to his collection.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, history buffs will love exploring the island’s capital via colorful Spanish-colonial architecture and imposing, ancient fortresses like La Fortaleza and El Morro.
—Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Debbi Fuller Transportation buffs cannot be forgotten either.
—Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Pompeii is also nestled along the coast and is a perfect excursion for history buffs.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026
Public tours of the White House have been a longstanding American tradition, offering families, students, and history buffs a rare chance to see inside one of the nation's most significant historic buildings.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
The Factbook also supplied superlatives that trivia buffs could count on, issuing Daily Facts of historical and geographical significance.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
This list of things to do in Belize features ideas for everyone, from adventurers and history buffs to foodies and travelers looking to chill out on a lounge chair in the sun.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Leonard Nimoy inspired an entire generation of space fans, sci-fi buffs and pioneering scientists with his portrayal of Spock, the first officer of the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek series.
—Ian Stokes, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
All car buffs have a type—including one accused of resorting to illicit means to add to his collection.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, history buffs will love exploring the island’s capital via colorful Spanish-colonial architecture and imposing, ancient fortresses like La Fortaleza and El Morro.
—Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Debbi Fuller Transportation buffs cannot be forgotten either.
—Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Pompeii is also nestled along the coast and is a perfect excursion for history buffs.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
There’s gentle exfoliation courtesy of betaine salicylate, a mild beta-hydroxy acid that buffs away little flakes and rough patches dry skin tends to collect.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026
Public tours of the White House have been a longstanding American tradition, offering families, students, and history buffs a rare chance to see inside one of the nation's most significant historic buildings.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffs
Noun
-
Each year, millions of dog lovers tune in to the Puppy Bowl as a way to pregame the actual Super Bowl taking place that same Sunday, played by human athletes without tails.—
Stacia Datskovska,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The symphony, conducted by its music director Carolyn Kuan, is playing a ballet score by Prokofiev inspired by Shakespeare’s immortal drama about two young lovers from feuding families at the Belding Theater at The Bushnell, located at 166 Capitol Ave.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This might happen because antler rubs strip bark away, revealing lignin-rich inner wood that reemits the longer wavelengths in a way bark does not.—
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Scientific American,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, including schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer).—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In another, Kelly’s character polishes the massive rock on a seat cushion, then lies back to admire it.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Designed in tandem with the brand’s existing DIY gel system, Olive & June’s Builder Gel polishes (retailing for $12 each) are thicker in texture than traditional gel polish, creating a strong, supportive barrier to help grow your natural nails.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Conrad wasn’t sure how football fans would react but said most people eagerly accepted a towel.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
By the end of that format’s 12-year run, including several instances in which the best overall driver of the year was shut out from the title or even competing in the championship race, a majority of fans and drivers were more than ready for something else.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Los Angeles leaders called on Wasserman to resign after the series of racy emails between him and Maxwell were released in the latest batch of the Jeffrey Epstein files over the weekend.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Continue reading … FOUL PLAY – Lions fan files $100M lawsuit after DK Metcalf clash, denies racial slur claims.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As a result, the product hardens, strengthens, and smooths brittle, peeling nails.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Sea buckthorn oil helps prevent breakage, while saffron smooths the hair cuticle to minimize frizz and fight humidity.—
Sarah Hoffmann,
Allure,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To remove the suckers growing at the base of some viburnum species, cut them back at ground level.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Feb. 2026
-
For a coach who thinks running the ball is for squares and suckers, that’s not exactly adapting one’s philosophy to fit your personnel.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Chapman sands his board occasionally to remove this top layer of funk.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffs. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
