huff 1 of 2

1
as in fuss
a state of nervous or irritated concern was in a huff because everyone was running late and the school bus would stop to pick them up in a matter of minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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huff

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word huff distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of huff are dudgeon, offense, pique, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Where would dudgeon be a reasonable alternative to huff?

Although the words dudgeon and huff have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When is offense a more appropriate choice than huff?

While in some cases nearly identical to huff, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When can pique be used instead of huff?

The synonyms pique and huff are sometimes interchangeable, but pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When might resentment be a better fit than huff?

In some situations, the words resentment and huff are roughly equivalent. However, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

In what contexts can umbrage take the place of huff?

The words umbrage and huff are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 huff
Noun
The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025 The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world. Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024
Verb
Fellow porters huffing their way up a hillside; the stars twinkling above the desert sand; the layered waves of Caroline Polachek’s staggeringly beautiful title song cresting over the horizon at just the right moment. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 June 2025 The trail huffs up 1,000 feet per mile, traversing talus slopes and narrow ridgelines en route to a dizzying view of Yellowstone Lake. Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for huff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for huff
Noun
  • Headphone Deals For those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem who want headphones that just work without all the fuss, the Beats Solo 4 make sense, even more so with a $70 discount.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025
  • And yet he’s still getting used to all the fuss.
    Julie Jordan, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Gordon’s professional work was rivaled by his zeal for Miami’s art scene.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Kirkland was a fixture of Andy Warhol’s Factory scene in the ‘60s and trained with legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And that is why my first true voice—the one that could hold complexity, contradiction, grief, even anger—came in English.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • One 4-foot-11 Amazon shopper even raved that the pants were the perfect length on their petite frame, proving that not all matching sets are made equal.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Only in 2025 did the cornerback start to receive some defensive snaps – most of his prior appearances had been on special teams – yet coaches and players have raved about his ability.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The All Aligned Ribbed Long-sleeve Henley Dress is made from a soft, ribbed Nulu fabric that’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and equipped with plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable on the road and at home.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Especially with two new blockers on the outside, as left tackle Jordan Seaton watched the game in sweats while wearing a walking boot on his right ankle.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The most likely scenario is that Bichette will eventually find his way back to the Blue Jays, which seems like the best fit for all parties after an emotional postseason run.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Kuminga has been outstanding so far this season, alleviating concerns about his fit with Curry, Butler and Draymond Green.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Mahama breaks off in exasperation.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Some councilmembers reacted to the extension with exasperation Wednesday.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When someone is ranting and raving about you, ignore them.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Cheung played a tape of Nicholson ranting and raving at the Kaiser facility in Irvine.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/huff. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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