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
Trump huffs and he puffs And could blow the White House down Pick a different end Plus! Drew Goins, Washington Post, 12 July 2024 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
Verb
In this offbeat and surreal comedy, frustrated playwright Mark becomes addicted to huffing perfume to conjure memories from a previous Italian summer vacation. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 Or flesh—notice the tiny worker huffing up the steps in the top right. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for huff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for huff
Noun
  • So what’s all the fuss about a 51 year old when there are much older spirits about?
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • On a hot afternoon, who isn’t hoping to mix intriguing drinks with a minimum of fuss?
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In a statement published on Wednesday, the Lake Havasu City Fire Department said that Foxcroft's body was found inside one of the chambers at the scene of the fire.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • In the film’s closing scene, Ra and a group of teenagers fly off in his spaceship.
    Ekow Eshun July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Though Trump is backing away from Putin in public, he’s never specifically projected anger about the paused weapons for Ukraine.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
  • Music and song have changed the world in positive, enduring ways that fear, anger, and violence never have.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Bridges loved his infield range, and other scouts raved about his versatility in center field.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • While recently visiting the detention site, President Donald Trump raved about Alligator Alcatraz.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Here's how sweat patterns typically change over time—and when those shifts signal something more serious.
    Lauryn Higgins, Time, 7 July 2025
  • These promotions include odds boosts, no sweat bets and more for MLB games, tennis, the WNBA, etc.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • More classic straight fits were often cuffed for a summery vibe.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025
  • Its towering trees, misty peaks and cascading waterfalls were a natural fit for the film’s deep-island terrain, with hiking trails that lead to hidden caves and panoramic viewpoints.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The slightest noise from the children could propel him from the room, ranting.
    Noah Hawley, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
  • Musk ranted against the bill after it was amended to end an electric vehicle tax credit at the end of September, opposed to the end of this year.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • According to the report, the lightning strike left beachgoers, swimmers and surfers in a panic, and many ran for their cars in the immediate aftermath.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Steven was there for Conrad in that moment too, finding him on the beach hyperventilating and talking him out of the panic to distract him.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/huff. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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