puffing

verb

present participle of puff
1
as in panting
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty he came running up the stairs puffing and wheezing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in stroking
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 puffing 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 Ever since the German medical scientist Franz Hermann Müller published solid evidence of a link between smoking and lung cancer in 1939, the health risks of puffing on tobacco have only become clearer. — Mike McRae 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026 Throughout Thursday’s ruling, Judge Bryan Biedscheid compared Meta and its suite of apps to a factory — and its harm to puffing toxins into the air. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 The sight of a dough puffing, cheese oozing out its side, becoming browned and crispy…who cannot be swayed? — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026 Set in an alternate past during Japan's Meiji era, the world of Sparks of Tomorrow is totally reliant on steam power, with massive boilers constantly puffing away. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026 Solar maximum was reached in late 2024, heating and puffing the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing the drag on all satellites. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 2 July 2026 Despite those flashes on the counter, Potter will have probably felt like puffing his cheeks and throwing his hands in the air. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 30 June 2026 In the mid-2000s, after getting the worst of it during a few hurricanes, the external panels had to be replaced, but they were faithfully reproduced down to the bull’s steam-puffing nostrils. — Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puffing
  1. panting
  2. stroking
  3. gasping
  4. applauding
  5. praising
  6. congratulating
  7. massaging
  8. commending
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of panting
Verb
  • Guests have reported footsteps in the attic, the feeling of someone stroking their face, a shower rode repeatedly flying off the wall and loud noises from outside the front door when no one is there.
    — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.
    — Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
Definition of stroking
Verb
  • According to the arrest warrant, state police believe Ringquist first became separated from the truck on Polly Dan Road, where she was knocked to the ground and left gasping for air and sobbing.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026
  • They were gassed, players gasping with the exertion of trying to run the Knicks out of their gym.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of gasping
Verb
  • Everyone in the audience was laughing and applauding, thinking Molière’s intense coughing fit was comedic gold, until their laughter turned to horror.
    — Gates McFadden, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Those of us who stayed until the end leapt to our feet, applauding and cheering for the actors, call after call.
    — Keith McDermott, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of applauding
Verb
  • Jovovich wrapped up the sweet caption by praising her daughter’s strength, loyalty, and perseverance.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The two appear to have a good relationship following their divorce, especially since the Good Will Hunting star has been praising his ex in several interviews as of late.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of praising
Verb
  • The Republican National Committee joined Golden in congratulating LePage on the election results.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In the meantime, please join me in congratulating this new leadership team…I’m incredibly excited to get going.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulating
Verb
  • The brand recommends using it morning and night by massaging it in upward strokes over the face and neck to maximize the benefits.
    — Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 31 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 massaging
Verb
  • San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Two Democratic political organizations are running adverts on the House’s bill to ban congressional stock trading, criticizing a Republican over the vote while commending a Democrat running in a different district for supporting the bill.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of commending

Browse Nearby Words

puffery
puffing
puffing (up)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puffing. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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