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
With a refreshingly modern take on Scandi fashion, the brand, led by creative director Ditte Reffstrup and CEO Nicolaj Reffstrup, is known for its bold leopard prints; vibrant florals; poplin; oversized puff-sleeve dresses; and chunky footwear. — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 But a single training session—a puff of vinegar delivered whenever a fly happened to walk the correct new angle—was enough to fix the issue. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
Bake in preheated oven, rotating pans from top to bottom halfway through, until danishes are puffed and deep golden brown, 12-15 minutes. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026 Let sit at room temperature until buns are puffed and expanded to edges of muffin cups (dough will spring back when poked but hold a slight indentation), 25–35 minutes. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 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
  • Palm trees abound; a perpetual breeze and a soundtrack of chirping birds complement the luscious grounds.
    — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sandy shores of Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach are about 20 minutes away, but afternoons on the porch, appreciating the breezes that come in off the Winyah Bay and the connecting rivers, are just as peaceful.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of breeze
Verb
  • The defense struggled a bit in the first half with the reserves on the field even after producing a second-quarter interception, and the offense also gasped and wheezed with the reserves on the field.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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
  • In the same breath, though, there are the guarantees that hold an attraction.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • That’s when Way mutters the p-word — under his breath for plausible deniability, but certainly still with the intention of being heard, smirking at the sound of my laughter.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 18 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
  • For mild nausea, massage a few drops of diluted peppermint oil directly on the stomach.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin.
    — Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of massage
Verb
  • An emotional moment was then shown between the three of them, as well as players coming up to congratulate him afterwards.
    — Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But instead of congratulating their long-time colleague, her co-workers, under the orders of their department head, urged her to think again.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of puff for Spanish Speakers

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