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
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Recent Examples of puffing
This whiskey can, of course, be enjoyed without puffing on a cigar—that part of the ritual is completely optional—but it was made very intentionally by master blender Nancy Fraley and master distiller John Schrepel.
—
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
Out on break, puffing on a cigarette, Dana is sucker-punched by a patient disgruntled over his wait time.
—Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Lohan, in a white dress, is seen puffing on an electronic cigarette and also eating ice cream from 4D Gelateria on South Pointe Drive.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
What Pie Weights Really Do Pie weights help prevent pie crusts from puffing up or shrinking during blind baking—the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before adding filling.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
For centuries, locals have looked up at the constantly puffing peak in celebration rather than fear.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025
And more than anything, more than the animosity between the programs, more than the College Football Playoff impact, more than Notre Dame puffing its chest out as USC backed down, that familiarity was the real higher power at work.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
The president has increasingly embraced fake images and videos — some appearing to be AI-generated — to mock and taunt political rivals while also puffing up his image.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025
The White House is puffing up its chest like an inevitable victor when the clock reaches Zero Hour.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
Out on break, puffing on a cigarette, Dana is sucker-punched by a patient disgruntled over his wait time.
—Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Lohan, in a white dress, is seen puffing on an electronic cigarette and also eating ice cream from 4D Gelateria on South Pointe Drive.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
What Pie Weights Really Do Pie weights help prevent pie crusts from puffing up or shrinking during blind baking—the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before adding filling.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
For centuries, locals have looked up at the constantly puffing peak in celebration rather than fear.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025
And more than anything, more than the animosity between the programs, more than the College Football Playoff impact, more than Notre Dame puffing its chest out as USC backed down, that familiarity was the real higher power at work.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
The president has increasingly embraced fake images and videos — some appearing to be AI-generated — to mock and taunt political rivals while also puffing up his image.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025
The White House is puffing up its chest like an inevitable victor when the clock reaches Zero Hour.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puffing
Verb
-
Her dog panting, unquestioning, always thrilled to see her.—
Allegra Goodman,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Gus was awake and panting at his feet.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In the black-and-white video, MGK could be seen holding his baby daughter's hand, stroking her fingers.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
25 Nov. 2025
-
At one point Eliot entered the TV room and found Abby with her head on Claire’s lap, Claire stroking her hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Fitness influencers gasping through their first seconds of cold immersion.—
Sara Braun,
Kansas City Star,
30 Dec. 2025
-
An excited Woods, in a white fuzzy coat with a white dress underneath, could be seen gasping in shock before smiling in celebration.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Amazingly, Exposure contestants go through hours of practice and performance each day without ever seeming to tire, and along with the competitive spirit, there’s a real sense of community, with skaters constantly encouraging, applauding, and appreciating each other.—
Lonnie Burstein Hewitt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
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When the final number was finished, the three eldest boys came to the fore on the catwalk mini stage underneath a shower of confetti and took a bow, with Mom and Dad now in the background, applauding politely but proudly.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Hudson has heard from studio heads, producers and other past collaborators praising her work.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
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In a post on X, Huberman shared the White House’s graphic of the new pyramid, praising the decisions that were made.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Please join us in congratulating Erik on his new role!—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The couple met via Instagram DM when Rivera sent Herrold a message congratulating her on the success of the show’s first season in 2020.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before massaging it into sore spots.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2026
-
These ads showed images of tractors, mountains of blueberries and a man’s hands massaging a clump of dirt, each segment highlighting a different part of the industry.—
Carolina Abbott Galvão,
The Dial,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While presenting her with the RRHOF milestone, Roan gave a speech commending Lauper’s influence and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
10 Nov. 2025
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Praise abounded for the 36-year-old, with three fellow veterans commending Rojas not just for his play, but also for his demeanor.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puffing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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