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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
While the egg-and-cheddar batter puffs in a skillet, a crazy-quilt of veggies roasts separately. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 21 Oct. 2026 Oreo first announced the launch of Oreo Puffs, a new spin on Oreo cereal featuring crunchy and chocolatey puffs with mini marshmallows, in December 2024. — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
Hutch sat with his back against the palm, eyes puffed and closed. — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 Designed to relieve swelling and improve circulation, these moisture-wicking socks keep your feet from puffing up on a long flight. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 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
  • Even by Los Angeles standards, the weather on Sunday, July 9, 2023, was almost impossibly perfect—sunshine, low 70s, and a cool breeze—as if Hollywood itself has been dropped into the fantasy world of Barbie Land.
    — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Each one features a discreet zipper for a streamlined look, plus a wide opening that makes pillow insertion a breeze.
    — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of breeze
Verb
  • Advertisement Tell your doctor about the pauses, gasping, and any daytime sleepiness.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Abrams does yeoman’s work with a character stuck in a tight spot for most of the running time, constantly grunting and gasping with a mixture of anguish and exhaustion as his body gets progressively more beat up and broken.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of gasp
Verb
  • White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stroke
Noun
  • And on this tour, Pineda steps to the side quite a few times to grab a breath and allow Cain, drummer Deen Castronovo, and keyboardist Jason Derlatka a chance to sing a song or two.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In a sequence where Murakami imagines Godzilla getting revenge on the United States by attacking New York City, the monster unleashes atomic breath on Manhattan, and the action suddenly switches to slow motion.
    — James Grebey, Time, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of breath
Verb
  • As Europe panted through rolling heatwaves this summer, I became drawn in by The Perfect Prescription anew.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Like some of the music, the album artwork also pays homage to the animal world and our interconnectedness—the abstract piece offers a single line drawing that weaves in outlines of a panting dog, screeching cat, stoic bunny, and wise owl.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 28 Sep. 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
  • Less muscle on the left leg might benefit from an extra TRX session, limited shoulder mobility could take a traditional lomi 'a’e massage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Luzon layered her signature 24-karat gold mask over a professional-use DNA mask, massaging the treatment to enhance absorption.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of massage
Verb
  • According to outlets, including Maine broadcast station WMTW, Collins called Jackson shortly after midnight to congratulate him for his win.
    — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sorrells congratulated Burks on her victory and said his office will work with her to ensure a smooth transition.
    — Emerson Clarridge Updated November 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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