puff 1 of 2

noun

Definition of puffnext
as in breeze
a slight or gentle movement of air felt a puff of wind on his face

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

puff

2 of 2

verb

ˈpəf How to pronounce puff (audio)
1
as in to gasp
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty he came running up the stairs puffing and wheezing

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 puff
Noun
Plus, the puff sleeves provide lightweight arm coverage for late-summer days and a welcome touch of whimsy. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 More impressively, Melton manages to exhale a puff of smoke so thick that cinematographer Magnus Nordenhof Jønck can still see it through the set’s fog. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Verb
The voluminous ivory ball gown featured a ruffled neckline and puffed sleeves, with a sparkling veil and a record-breaking 25-foot train. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Bake until cakes are golden and puffed and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. — Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for puff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puff
  1. breeze
  2. gasp
  3. stroke
  4. breath
  5. pant
  6. honey
  7. massage
  8. congratulate
Noun
  • The onshore breeze will steer storms to the west later on Tuesday.
    — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There’s even an open-air spa on the back deck with a single wooden massage table surrounded by white curtains that billow in the breeze.
    — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of breeze
Verb
  • Police say Coffer was pulled to safety by his boat partner, who told police Simpson fled the scene and the boy was gasping for air.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented but was not injured, Local 10 reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of gasp
Verb
  • Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders do not have the luxury of sitting in the corner contemplating their feelings or hoping someone will stroke their egos.
    — Chris Adams, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of stroke
Noun
  • Records from that time indicated state troopers found Farinacci sitting on a park bench, out of breath, the affidavit reads.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • As search teams go through the rubble looking for any signs of life, the community in Queens is holding its breath and holding out hope.
    — Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of breath
Verb
  • The delivery person added that none of the canines appeared to have access to food or sufficient water, and that all the animals were panting.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Dogs primarily rely on panting, while cats also groom themselves to help regulate body temperature.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Definition of pant
Verb
  • The mouthfeel is thick, chewy, and honeyed, with a hint of marzipan.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of honey
Verb
  • Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin.
    — Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Nike is back adding tech to your footwear with its new massaging slide.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 July 2026
Definition of massage
Verb
  • Carr issued a statement congratulating Thumann Severs but did not express any wish for a five-member commission.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Chances are you answer emails while sitting in meetings, listen to podcasts while exercising, scroll your phone while standing in line and congratulate ourselves for squeezing more into every hour.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of congratulate

Phrases Containing puff

Browse Nearby Words

puerility
puff
puff adder
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Cite this Entry

“Puff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puff. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of puff for Spanish Speakers

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