1
as in lover
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something
he's such a film buff that he owns over 3,000 movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nude
the state of having no clothes on one's body
protected by a fully enclosed backyard, the couple would frequently sunbathe in the buff
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the janitor buffed the lobby floor until it shone
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of buff
Maria Leontaras, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Film buffs are anticipating your Hollywood Bowl show on the 15th.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 10 July 2025
Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
The upcoming update will enhance the assault class, along with buffing every weapon in the game.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Noun
More Stories 🗣️ Calling all history buffs: A historic brick building in Downtown Nashville is heading for auction this month.
—Maria Leontaras, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Film buffs are anticipating your Hollywood Bowl show on the 15th.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 10 July 2025
Verb
The resort’s original building—with its signature bright red crown most Southern Californians have seen in pictures or spotted from the I-5—has a 137-year legacy that shines brighter now that it has been scrubbed and buffed to the tune of $550 million.
—Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
The upcoming update will enhance the assault class, along with buffing every weapon in the game.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buff
Noun
-
On the hunt for the key to a country music lover’s heart?—
Ramal Nasim
July 25,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
-
Beach lovers should check out Britannia Beach and then continue to drive north towards Sea to Sky Gondola.—
Miriam Porter,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Trees sturdy enough to survive the catastrophe were stripped to a pale almond-colored nude.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 2025
-
Art and science are analytical tools in some photographs, especially those of nudes.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
Cats can rub against concrete to mark their territory and feel more secure because the scent lingers on the material longer than on smoother surfaces.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
23 July 2025
-
Again, once the Field School staff restrained the shark, the team of amateurs got to work quickly and efficiently, with the only mishap being a person who rubbed their fingers the wrong way against the shark skin and got an abrasion that drew a bit of blood.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
The airy, high-ceilinged white dining rooms are largely intact, the wooden floors polished, the tables set with good linens, the lighting excellent.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
His work to polish his technique over the past year and change will come to the forefront this season.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Around 4,500 Everton fans made the short trip into neighbouring Lancashire for Saturday’s match.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
21 July 2025
-
Winn said that fan encounter did not happen at Eastern Market, which is is probably good for the chickens, given the number of slaughterhouses nearby.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
Before cars are painted, workers still run gloved hands over them and sand smooth any tiny imperfections.—
Keith Bradsher,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Its secure seal acts like a vault around your phone to keep water and sand out and scratches off your screen.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Iron the back side or inside of the fabric first, then flip it over to smooth the outside.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 July 2025
-
Downy’s wrinkle spray works in a matter of seconds: Just lay your clothing flat, spritz it with wrinkle release spray, and use your hands to smooth the material out.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Like these rich men, Luthor embraces his villainy by styling himself as a sleek anti-hero and lording his privilege over the rest of society’s suckers.—
Matt Zoller Seitz,
Vulture,
16 July 2025
-
Check the main vine and secondary shoot regularly for new suckers and remove them promptly.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buff. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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