as in breeze
a slight or gentle movement of air
felt a puff of wind on his face
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to stroke
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 puff
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Secondary recovery includes waterflooding or gas injection which includes huff-and-puff mode.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
In March and April, rosewater distilleries puff gently with steam, filling the air with a sweet, vegetal scent.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puff
Noun
Lisa modeled a mesh puff-sleeve number from Enfants Riches Déprimés's spring 2026 collection.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
Secondary recovery includes waterflooding or gas injection which includes huff-and-puff mode.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
Varied scenes include a video of smokestacks in the unmistakable soft light of a Beijing winter, the artist puffing cigarettes as a Lazy Susan spins leisurely with dishes and a bottle of Nongfu Spring, a local mineral water brand; and a robot getting out of an elevator.
—Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
In March and April, rosewater distilleries puff gently with steam, filling the air with a sweet, vegetal scent.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puff
Noun
-
The city softens, the breeze cools and conversation comes easy.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
-
In the summer, the counterclockwise rotation creates a cooling breeze that’s a treat on muggy, hot days and nights.—
Michelle Ullman,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Students gasp at the sight of such a large denomination.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Students giggled and gasped in disbelief.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When Robbie first strokes the plush walls, her Cathy stares with the appropriate mix of awe and terror.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
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She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha that focuses on breath and the mind-body connection.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Their own bodies sound, rejoicing with each breath.—
Allegra Goodman,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
User @briadeshaun took a more relatable route and impersonated an out-of-shape owl, worn out from flying and repeatedly panting to catch its breath.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The men’s jeans retail for $145 and the twill pants for $135.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
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Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
2 July 2024
Verb
-
Fingers skitter up and down the strings of a double bass, hands massage the piano keys, brushes gently scratch at the drums.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Some of that could use massaging, especially in a second act that is somewhat less secure.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The surprise meeting was on the stage of the Zlata Hokejka (Golden Stick) award show in the Czech Republic, where Hašek congratulated Dostál for being named one of the country’s best hockey players.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Rehmet said Patrick congratulated him.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puff. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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