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 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 Trump huffs and he puffs And could blow the White House down Pick a different end Plus! Drew Goins, Washington Post, 12 July 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
  • Fazit Looking to level up your makeup without the fuss?
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The Gurtha metal platform bed skips the fuss (and the box spring) for a low, architectural silhouette that feels modern without trying too hard.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The third victim was treated on scene by members of the Torrance Fire Department, according to Ahmad.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For Yankees fans, there will be anger.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Through sharp wit and deep introspection, Wood reveals the wisdom he’s gathered—from knowing when to hold your tongue to learning how to channel anger into purpose.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Long-term fans of the discount German grocery chain are quick to rave about the low prices, fun seasonal food finds, and the treasures that await each week in the famed middle aisle.
    Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Wegman’s bakery also is highly raved about.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The latter synthesizes a half-dozen Vincente Minnelli-meets-Marilyn musical numbers, minus the sweat and soul of the originals.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Summer did a number on our skin (hello, sun and sweat), which makes fall the ideal time to refresh the top shelf of your medicine cabinet.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Veterans will be selected through a screening process to ensure the program is the right fit.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The overall look was textbook Meghan Markle; a breezy, monochromatic fit that spoke quietly to all eras of her style and the ongoing trend for an autumnal skirt suit.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • TikTok user @shotmyheartwithnovacaine posted a video in July ranting about how people dress when going to concerts to her 137K followers.
    Laney Crawley, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
  • No need to rant and rave at the AI about its code generation.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On an evening that began with panic in USC’s backfield, the walk-on gave Riley reason to exhale amid the chaos.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The colorless liquid is now responsible for an ongoing health crisis that has triggered a nationwide panic affecting about 100 million people across six states in Brazil, according to health authorities.
    Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/huff. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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