as in swollen
enlarged beyond normal from internal pressure
her eyelid was so puffed she couldn't see with that eye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in gasped
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty
he came running up the stairs puffing and wheezing
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in honied
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.
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Recent Examples of puffed
Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
He was inspired by folkloric characters from history, like the Slavic Baba Yaga and the Italian Befana, as well as Victorian lady silhouettes, 17th century panniers, puffed sleeves, and harem pants.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
The anklet has puffed heart charms along the piece and is held together with a lobster clasp for ensured security.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
With her choice of clothing, Miller leaned into a look she was known for in the 2000s — the boho aesthetic — with an off-the-shoulder dress featuring puffed long sleeves, a dainty bow tied at the chest and a flowy skirt.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Adjective
Cover and let rise in a warm place until puffed and almost double in size (about 1 hour).
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
Like so many institutions before it, the museum could have ignored the students, or puffed up some sort of defense.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
He was inspired by folkloric characters from history, like the Slavic Baba Yaga and the Italian Befana, as well as Victorian lady silhouettes, 17th century panniers, puffed sleeves, and harem pants.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025
The anklet has puffed heart charms along the piece and is held together with a lobster clasp for ensured security.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
With her choice of clothing, Miller leaned into a look she was known for in the 2000s — the boho aesthetic — with an off-the-shoulder dress featuring puffed long sleeves, a dainty bow tied at the chest and a flowy skirt.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puffed
Adjective
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This can also be caused by a lack of sleep—which also comes with risks of chronic fatigue, thinning hair and swollen lower eyelids.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Trump’s apparently swollen ankles, which were photographed at the FIFA Club World Cup Final in July, have been connected to the condition.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Some exchanges were breathtaking — to them, certainly, and to those in the stands who gasped at the power during longer points.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
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Some exchanges were breathtaking — to them, certainly, and to spectators who gasped at the power during longer points.—
Howard Fendrich,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Reactions From Local Lawmakers While some lawmakers applauded the change, there were still criticisms.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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On Chinese social media, users applauded the impressive hardware and discipline of the PLA – and drew comparisons to Trump’s military parade held in Washington in June.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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When the Niners clinched their spot in the coveted game, Brandt congratulated Purdy on the field.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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At the end of August, the All The Queen’s Men actress congratulated her man on his new law office in a warm and lengthy post on Instagram.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Toronto first got to Junk in the third inning as Nathan Lukes stroked a leadoff double, advanced on Ernie Clement’s flyout and came home on Springer’s RBI single.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Aug. 2025
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On the pitch, Rory Delap had one hand on his hip while the other stroked his chin.—
Max Mathews,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Nadler, the long-serving congressman, praised his former aide and state assemblyman Micah Lasher but stopped short of supporting him.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Many internet users have praised Morrison and her team for saving Maple's life and those of her puppies too.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a statement posted online, Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller commended the department for exercising restraint while responding to the incident.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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Henneberry commended both the Haberman family and the community for finding a bright light and taking something that is terrible and making something that is beautiful.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In order to get the best results, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin in the evening, gently massaged in until it’s fully absorbed.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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This whole thing seems staged, planned, finagled, massaged, bamboozled, lollygagged, and all sorts of other long, silly-sounding words that may not necessarily apply to this situation.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puffed. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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