as in breeze
a slight or gentle movement of air
felt a puff of wind on his face
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to stroke
to praise too much
a talk show host who can be counted on to puff up the celebrities who readily consent to be interviewed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puff
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Secondary recovery includes waterflooding or gas injection which includes huff-and-puff mode.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
In March and April, rosewater distilleries puff gently with steam, filling the air with a sweet, vegetal scent.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puff
Noun
Lisa modeled a mesh puff-sleeve number from Enfants Riches Déprimés's spring 2026 collection.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Secondary recovery includes waterflooding or gas injection which includes huff-and-puff mode.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
Varied scenes include a video of smokestacks in the unmistakable soft light of a Beijing winter, the artist puffing cigarettes as a Lazy Susan spins leisurely with dishes and a bottle of Nongfu Spring, a local mineral water brand; and a robot getting out of an elevator.
—Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
In March and April, rosewater distilleries puff gently with steam, filling the air with a sweet, vegetal scent.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puff
Noun
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The island’s breezes are perfect for kitesurfing, while water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular activities as well.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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Forecasters said breezes with gusts from 25 mph to 30 mph early Tuesday would precede the cold.—
David Staats,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By that point, Illinois was already rolling, well on their way to a 101-65 victory that left USC gasping for air.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Three years ago, the other members of Team USA all but gasped at his promise.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When Robbie first strokes the plush walls, her Cathy stares with the appropriate mix of awe and terror.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
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She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Consistent with the rest of the hotel, the local landscape is incorporated into the design experience; there are local gems displayed in the waiting area, and the lobby has a giant window that frames a peak of the nearby Shawangunk Mountains that took my breath away.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
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After a tense moment and several compressions, the baby took its first breath, filling the car with relief and gratitude.—
CBS News Atlanta Staff,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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On a recent Friday, Bernhardt dressed up, with a cashmere sweater, a pair of baggy, Free People pants, and a pair of Ugg boots.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
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User @briadeshaun took a more relatable route and impersonated an out-of-shape owl, worn out from flying and repeatedly panting to catch its breath.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
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Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
2 July 2024
Verb
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Rosehip oil can be applied pure to clean, dry skin on both the face and body using a few drops massaged in gently.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
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Start with a dry face, massage it in to loosen things up, then apply water to emulsify, and reach for a washcloth to get rid of any excess.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Malinin was magnanimous afterward, hugging and congratulating surprise gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Then Reddick drove over to Victory Lane, where a teary Michael Jordan was waiting to bear hug him, and where owner Denny Hamlin and teammates Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst were waiting to congratulate him.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puff. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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