1
as in rubbing
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polishing
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
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Recent Examples of buffing
Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
—
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
For extra shine, Sokolowski suggests buffing lightly with a dry cloth.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
The singer, born Cassandra Monique Batie, also colored her waterline with black, buffing gray and brown tones underneath.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
To start, apply a base coat that's similar to your nails, and finish off by buffing in a milky white hue on the tips.
—Taylor Augustin Littlejohn, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
If the bloom's appearance bothers you, remove it by applying a small amount of oil, such as cooking oil or baby oil, to a soft cloth, then gently buffing it away in a circular motion.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025
Application involves lightly buffing the nail, applying the adhesive, and pressing each faux nail into place.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
For extra shine, Sokolowski suggests buffing lightly with a dry cloth.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
The singer, born Cassandra Monique Batie, also colored her waterline with black, buffing gray and brown tones underneath.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026
To start, apply a base coat that's similar to your nails, and finish off by buffing in a milky white hue on the tips.
—Taylor Augustin Littlejohn, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
If the bloom's appearance bothers you, remove it by applying a small amount of oil, such as cooking oil or baby oil, to a soft cloth, then gently buffing it away in a circular motion.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025
Application involves lightly buffing the nail, applying the adhesive, and pressing each faux nail into place.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing
Verb
-
Finally, disinfect the tools by wiping the blades with a cloth dampened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
-
When the hook comes back around, he’s still posted in that corner, this time rubbing his hands together like a Birdman reaction gif.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After polishing the piece, rinse it well and wash it with dish soap and water again to ensure all the cream is removed.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
-
This gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating sugar scrub helps to melt away makeup, excess oil, and buildup, all while buffing and polishing without stripping the skin.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
City of Dallas has only eight snow plows The city of Dallas has only eight snow plows and about 100 sanding trucks for 11,700 lane miles of roads, forcing it to prioritize.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Before those efforts, crews will continue sanding operations around the city to treat roads this week.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The three compressions are Spanxsmooth Swim, which is light compression for barely there smoothing; Spanxshape Swim, medium compression for a little more tummy control and shaping, and Spanxsculpt Swim, strong compression that cinches and snatches.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Appealing Venus is parading into your 6th House of Habits, bringing sweetness to routines and smoothing dynamics, which suits a diplomatic style of handling events.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Many came from grinding poverty and squalor.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
-
For Jones, doing his part meant observing, which led to at least four officers jumping on his back, handcuffing him, crushing his legs, and grinding his forehead into the frozen concrete.—
Evan Minsker,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For example, individual filers can receive up to $994, couples filing jointly can receive $1,491, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $498.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In recent years, parents have increasingly resorted to filing complaints with the state, alleging that their school districts violated federal disability law.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Modern folding saws are effective for larger branches and have replaceable blades, eliminating the need for sharpening.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Mercury fuses with Pluto in your money zone, sharpening budget choices and prompting frank talks about fair compensation.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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