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
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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
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Recent Examples of buffs
Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Jan. 2026
The Grand Canyon floor is also a wonderful trip for geology buffs.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
As well as beach and wildlife, The Vendicari Reserve has plenty to offer the history buffs, with archaeological sites such as the ancient Greek city of Eloro, Torre Sveva (a 15th-century tower), and an ancient tonnara (tuna fishery).
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Tour The National Aviation Museum Also in Pensacola, this is another must-see for military and history buffs.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
For the history buffs keeping track at home, the Longhorns' most-lopsided win in an SEC game?
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
The motel’s loss is felt not only by history buffs but also local residents accustomed to walking by the iconic site on a daily basis, Curran said.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Scroll to discover skin-care brands and products used by Tokyo beauty buffs to inspire your ritual.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
Gothic visuals and bombastic performances are sure to pull horror buffs into Penny Dreadful's world.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 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
History buffs can come learn more about the most cherished collections on display, such as glowing minerals.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Jan. 2026
The Grand Canyon floor is also a wonderful trip for geology buffs.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
As well as beach and wildlife, The Vendicari Reserve has plenty to offer the history buffs, with archaeological sites such as the ancient Greek city of Eloro, Torre Sveva (a 15th-century tower), and an ancient tonnara (tuna fishery).
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
Tour The National Aviation Museum Also in Pensacola, this is another must-see for military and history buffs.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
For the history buffs keeping track at home, the Longhorns' most-lopsided win in an SEC game?
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
The motel’s loss is felt not only by history buffs but also local residents accustomed to walking by the iconic site on a daily basis, Curran said.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Scroll to discover skin-care brands and products used by Tokyo beauty buffs to inspire your ritual.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
Gothic visuals and bombastic performances are sure to pull horror buffs into Penny Dreadful's world.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 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
-
After all, when lovers of the cosmos come together in this Earth sign, tradition, courtship and long-term commitment take precedence over fleeting chemistry.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The cafe’s signature coconut latte is a great way to beat the heat and a must for coconut lovers.—
Arundhati Hazra,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 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
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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
-
John Stamos shared a dramatic new look with fans in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Jan 13.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
As to what exactly will be available for the fans to purchase, LA28 officials wouldn’t say on Tuesday.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Her daughter Frances Bean eventually files for emancipation.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Atmos annually files a request to redo its rates, and has previously cited infrastructure improvements as a reason for increasing costs.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Protease, a gentle enzyme, smooths texture and helps strengthen the moisture barrier so skin stays bouncier, less reactive, and better hydrated.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2026
-
That’s thanks to glycolic acid, which smooths the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid suspended in a nourishing yet lightweight oil base.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Additionally, prune any dead branches, thorny suckers, and any branches that may be touching the ground.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Begin by removing any suckers at the base of the tree, side shoots on the trunk, crossing or crooked branches, dead or damaged branches, those that are growing inward, and crowded branches.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
31 Dec. 2025
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 1 Feb. 2026.
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