stuff 1 of 2

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as in material
the basic elements from which something can be developed reading, writing, and arithmetic—the stuff of an education

Synonyms & Similar Words

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stuff

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verb

1
as in to fill
to close up so that no empty spaces remain stuffed the box with tissue paper so the contents wouldn't rattle around

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to gorge
to fill with food to capacity kids who stuff themselves with junk food after school and then don't have any room for supper

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to cram
to fit (people or things) into a tight space stuffed all the kids into the back of the car

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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 stuff
Noun
The setup felt unusual for a skate shop, which was typically cluttered with stuff. Sean Gregory, Time, 26 June 2025 All the stuff that comes after (hopefully): sales, marketing, agents, social media? Kristen Arnett june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Verb
The topper may be stuffed with either natural or synthetic down. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025 By the early 1600s, players were using balls of cowhide stuffed with goose feathers. Miles Corwin, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stuff
Noun
  • The challenge has always been to figure out how to personalize things without spending inordinate amounts of time and money mapping out every possible path a student might take.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • As a business owner, higher profit margins, all other things being equal, are more valuable.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • About a year ago in May 2024, a historically powerful geomagnetic storm was responsible for some reports of power grid irregularities and interference with GPS signals – even farming equipment.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 June 2025
  • During the search, troopers allegedly found additional narcotics, drug paraphernalia, drug equipment and a large-capacity magazine.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Neither man came to their current positions with strong qualifications.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Bio-Analyzer — Anne McClain activated this device, which allows for the on-orbit qualification of cellular and molecular samples collected aboard the space station.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Accordingly, this summer’s SHPO dig uncovered both metal assay materials and household artifacts.
    Alex Music, Idaho Statesman, 21 June 2025
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • These teachings, Tolstoy believed, formed the true essence of Christianity, which had been distorted by the church in order to protect its own interests.
    Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • In essence, all this accomplishes is to enable some devious shopkeepers to charge their fellow Jews even more money in these challenging times for adhering to dietary laws.
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Send three thoughtful messages daily and watch your pipeline fill with warm leads.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The home created for the program was filled with a gym, healthful food and other healthful amenities.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Over the next few months, the fry will gorge themselves on thousands of tiny crustaceans each week, while the institution’s Animal Care team will be hard at work to ensure that as many as possible can reach full maturity.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Rubinoff has already brought several into the lab, where the caterpillars can gorge themselves on Drosophila pupae with no fear of spiders interrupting the feast.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Leavenworth-a-Lago: Now that those once-secret documents have been removed from bathrooms and closets, the private club should have a little extra space in which to cram undocumented migrants, who could also be pulled into service as caddies.
    Bob Morris, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • When the novel begins, Alba, Stanley, and Drew, the remaining crew of the Audition, are trapped throughout the ship—one crammed into a hallway, another wedged between the floor and ceiling of a basketball court.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stuff. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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