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
To experience all three—plus a wine tasting after a heart-pumping, 316-stair huff to the top of Tour Philippe le Bon—book The Treats of Dijon excursion on France’s new food trail, La Vallée De La Gastronomie, that runs from Marseille to Dijon. Lanee Lee, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2023 Feel free to let out a disappointed huff as the episode concludes. Vulture, 21 Dec. 2023
Verb
Adding in a motor has made cargo bikes much more workable for those riders who would like the convenience and capacity of a cargo bike but have hesitated in the past due to their own physical condition and the prospect of huffing a cargo bike up hills or across town. William Roberson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Rather than obediently following instructions, the Labrador made his displeasure known in an unmistakably human-like manner—growling, whining and huffing in defiance while facing his owners. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for huff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for huff
Noun
  • The deep pockets add both style and practicality—great for a mom to put her card and keys in without the fuss of a purse.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 15 May 2025
  • With plug-and-play simplicity, USB-C connectivity and cross-platform compatibility with Macs, PCs, iOS and Android devices, users can record using the M-Track Duo HD with very little setup or fuss.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • One of his favorite features of Dubai is the food scene, Ksebati says.
    Kamaron McNair Mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 12 May 2025
  • Despite what the title of the anthology may suggest, Lucasfilm Animation isn't glorifying mercenaries and bounty hunters here… even if most of this episode is an awesome, explosive heist scene.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The city councilor and over two dozen residents responded to Eureka Street after the presence of federal agents in the neighborhood sparked anger Thursday morning.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, reports that the Trump administration will announce a U.S. renaming of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf would be enthusiastically welcomed by Arab states, but could draw severe anger from Iran at a time of delicate nuclear negotiations with Tehran.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • In a statement in March, Rascal Flatts singer Gary LeVox raved about working with Backstreet Boys and other artists on the duets project.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025
  • Scouts raved about his physical, 6-foot-5 frame and his 98 mph fastball.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Sitting on a towel while in the sauna can also help prevent discoloration caused by body sweat and body oils.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
  • Chronology is messy, structurally and visually and viscerally, playing with time and space and memory and oozing with bodily fluids — tears, spit, sweat, come, pee, blood, vomit.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • In general, these non-forcing bids deny a fit and cover any strength from weak to invitational.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • The details set it apart—ruffles, an underlayer to prevent sheerness, and a forgiving fit.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Kanye ranted, collapsed, rebounded—chaotically, but consistently.
    Remy Blumenfeld, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
  • Police extracted dozens of audio clips from the device, most of Smith ranting about government conspiracies and rapping to the beat in his head.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Heck, even fear of long lines at bars and clubs have been downgraded from panic to the typical annoyance.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 17 May 2025
  • Over the decades, attitudes have begun to shift from panic and fear to curiosity and respect.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/huff. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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